Major Declaration Policy
Undeclared degree-seeking students at La Roche University are required to declare a major before or upon completion of 60 credits. An undeclared transfer student who transfers in 60 or more credits must declare a major during or at the completion of their second semester at La Roche University.
Prior to declaring a major, students will be advised to meet with a department chair or faculty member from the department of the intended major to discuss their academic plans. The appropriate “Major Declaration or Change” form must be signed by that department chair/faculty member before the official change of major is made.
Students must declare a major by the published due date each semester in order to ensure proper advisor assignment for that semester’s advising and registration period. The due date for major declarations will be published on the Academic Calendar.
Major Declaration Procedure
A student may officially declare a major by following these procedures:
- Meet with a faculty member in the department of the intended major to discuss the major and the student’s academic progress toward that major
- Fill out the “Major Declaration, Add, Change, or Remove Request” form found online at https://intranet.laroche.edu/Registrar/secure/majorDeclaration.cfm Once submitted, the form will be routed to the appropriate faculty/offices.
- Follow up with the Office of Student Academic Support Services to ensure all electronic signatures have been obtained.
Rationale
Among the many benefits of declaring a major early in one’s academic career are the following: the ability to work with a faculty advisor, access to special programs and/or courses reserved for declared majors, and invitations to specific career-information events.
Working with a faculty advisor allows students to gain first-hand information on recommended course sequences, internships, departmental activities, student organizations, conferences, honor societies, professional affiliations, and scholarships. In addition, it encourages the development of a long-term academic plan and allows ample time to fulfill that plan.