With so many major/minor combinations to choose from, Ouachita’s majors fair helps students in selecting as field of study that suits them. Dean of the Huckabee School of Education, Dr. Merribeth D. Bruning, shed light on its benefits.
“The upcoming majors fair is a great opportunity for those undecided or those wanting to be more aware of the many wonderful opportunities that OBU provides,” she said.
The Majors Fair is to be held on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables with faculty representatives from each course of study will set up in the campus courtyard, and in the event of rain, tables will be moved to Evans Student Center.
Stan Poole, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, sums up the event’s intent.
“[The purpose] is to assist undergraduate students who are searching for a major or minor,” he said. “It is an opportunity to explore different minors and majors to make a decision.”
Bruning expects attendance to be high based on success in the previous year.
“This is just the second annual majors fair here at Ouachita, and we are looking forward to a large crowd,” she said.
Mallory Moddelmog, assistant to the dean of interdisciplinary studies, plays a key role in organizing the majors fair. She praises it as a laid back, yet efficient experience.
“The Academic Majors Fair is held prior to pre-registration so our students have the opportunity to receive information about areas of study in a relaxed and informal atmosphere,” she said. “Students may visit with deans, faculty and students who are representing their departments and schools. The fair is open and available to any student who is searching for a major, minor emphasis that will fit them best.”
Bruning agrees with the positive environment that the majors fair provides and gives an example of programs of study students can select from in the Education Department.
“The majors fair provides information in an atmosphere that is enjoyable,” she said. “You can find out more about the majors that your friends are choosing, too. In the School of Education we have majors from Kinesiology Fitness or Recreation or Teacher Education to Early Childhood Education, Middle School and majors in most secondary (high school) subject areas.”
She explains student’s roles in the event process.
“Individuals can ask questions, receive brochures and see displays about the options of each major,” Bruning said.
Moddelmog further explores the roles of students and provides tips to help the selecting process. Students can visit www.obu.edu/career to take the FOCUS2 assessment survey to learn more about their individual interests.
“The FOCUS2 assessment survey is free of charge and provides a wealth of insight for the student,” she said. “The survey will assist the student as they determine their field of study.”
However varied the selection of majors at Ouachita may be, students can rest assured that they will have some help in determining their area(s) of study.
