NEWS

Freshman Brittany Wilt cannot decide on a major, but on March 31 she will attend the Carnival of Majors to get a better understanding of the different ones offered at FAU.

“There are many majors to choose from, and I cannot choose just one,” said Wilt.

The Carnival of Majors is a free event that will help undecided students choose a major. Hosted by the Career Development Center (CDC), the Center for Learning and Student Success and Freshman Academic Advising Services, the event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the Senate Chambers lobby of the Student Union on the Boca campus and will offer prizes and free food.

Sandra Jakubow, CDC director, said the reason students have difficulties choosing a major is because of a lack of resources, information and opportunities offered through the university. According to Jakubow, many students are not aware of double majors, minors and study-abroad programs offered.

“The key thing of this event is to inform,” said Jakubow.

Students do not need to sign up for the event. Brian Montalvo, CDC assistant director, said the only things students need to bring are enthusiasm, an open mind and their appetites.

According to surveys performed after the carnival last year by the CDC, students leave the carnival knowing more about services offered at FAU and what minors compliment their majors, and have a better understanding of the different majors offered by FAU’s nine colleges.

Last year between 200 and 300 students attended, but Jakubow said the attendance rate increases each year.

Montalvo explained the event only happens during the spring semester. “It would be too early, too soon to have the event in the fall,” he said.

According to Abdula Newman, coordinator of academic programs, holding the event in the fall would “bombard students with information.” Students typically take general requirement courses their first semester and do not start exploring major-related courses until after the first semester. Newman said, “This event allows students to explore their options.”

There will be many games offered at the Carnival of Majors. Student will be given a card resembling a passport that they will have to fill up with six stickers to get the free food. Representatives, graduate assistants, advisers and staff from all nine FAU colleges will have tables set up with pamphlets and information for students. They can make appointments with college advisers, ask questions, and meet the staff from each college. Students will go around to each college’s table to earn stickers by answering FAU trivia. They will also have the opportunity to win prizes such as iPods and gift certificates.

For more information on the event, go to swise.fau.edu/cdc/flyers/carnivalofmajors2010.pdf or contact the CDC at (561) 0297-3533.