Important Decision Making – News Center

Ashon Lanada wasn't sure of his ultimate goal when he came to Montclair state, but as the newly elected CEO of the Student Government Association, and his recent decision to major in Business Administration, Lanada says it's getting closer. "I have been involved in creating a great platform and network for myself, and I took advantage of the opportunities this campus offers."

That includes seeking the advice of mentors at University College, the first program of its kind in New Jersey that allows students to explore academic and career options as pre-major students. They have helped you navigate a path. "Not just my life, not just my specialization, but my path to where I am now," says Lanada.

His story is one of 2,500, an important milestone for the important decisions reached by students who entered Montclair State as pre-specialization students assigned to University College.

On May 5, University College will mark "Signature Day" with a virtual celebration of this year's major declarations and other important milestones achieved since University College opened just three years ago. Lanada, a third-year student, will be the student speaker.

Starting at Montclair State as a pre-major student, a term that was once known as undeclared, Lanada says she attributes her success to the transformative learning opportunities available at the University, including attending workshops on leadership development and education. financial.

"University College has seven full-time advisors to train students in pursuit of a well-fitting and well-felt major so that they can move from University College to their major and eventually graduate from college in a timely manner," he says. Lindsey Hresko, an academic program coordinator. Academic programming offers a variety of initiatives to help students seek out and explore Montclair State's 300 majors, minors, and concentrations.

Lázaro Valdés Fraga, among those who recently declared himself older, says that his advisor “helped me and motivated me a lot. She encouraged me to actively seek information that could help me find my passions and understand my interests. "The sophomore now plans to major in Languages, Business and Culture.

" We have been working hard to connect the students with different specializations and with different departments to offer them that practical and face-to-face experience, to give them a very good idea of ​​how they would feel being in the majors that interest them, ”says Hresko.

For Liliana Esmail , that included helping her narrow her field of interest in science and fostering a dual major. “A lot of people told me that doing a dual major would be too difficult and that I was wasting my time,” says sophomore Esmail. “But My advisor was one of the only people who had faith in me and told me that if this is what I really want to do, then I should do it. Now I have a double esp specialization in Molecular and Arabic Biology, and I am looking to obtain a specialization in Chemistry. ”

Esmail, along with Valdés Fraga and Lanada, are now paying as University College fellows, mentoring first-year students as they take their own important decisions.

“A lot of people like mentoring, a lot of people like to help others, a lot of people like to see others succeed. And that's what I like to do, ”says Lanada. "I have a student, a photographer, under my protection right now who I'm helping make connections to the campus, making sure he's building a network for himself."

"We are very proud of our students who have taken advantage of all the exploratory opportunities we have offered them and found the specialization that aligns with their interests, strengths, and career goals," says Associate Dean Daphne Galkin. “Signature day is our way of recognizing this significant step in our students' academic journey and celebrating their accomplishments.”

The Signature Day celebration is open to the campus community and will take place on Wednesday, May 5, starting at 2 p.m., via Zoom. Pre-registration is required for all attendees – register here.

Writer Marilyn Joyce Lehren's story

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