UR Sophomores—Checklist

Prepare to declare your major and clusters

  • Plan to meet with your pre-major adviser at least twice this semester
  • Learn about departments and majors from undergraduate academic councils
  • Go to departmental and other academic events
  • Talk to UR graduate students and alumni in areas that interest you
  • Seek advice from undergraduate advisers in majors you are considering
  • Use the Majors & Minors page to find out more information: www.rochester.edu/College/academics/majors/
  • Attend Still Undecided? Newly Undecided? Finding the Right Major: Wednesday, October 19, 5 – 6 pm, Goergen 109
  • Attend How to Declare Your Major: Wednesday, October 26, 6 – 7 pm or Thursday, October 27, 5 – 6 pm, Gowen Room, Wilson Commons
  • Investigate the career paths of alums from the majors you’re considering; register for the Rochester Career Advisory Network (RCAN) via the Gwen M. Greene Career and Internship Center’s online networking tutorial at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/rcan/

Cultivate your interests

  • Consider setting up a research project or an independent study with a professor; plan now for next term
  • Attend special talks, colloquia, seminars offered through departments, programs, and institutes, including those at the Gwen M. Greene Career and Internship Center
  • Consider an internship for credit or for pay; attend Fall Career & Internships Day: Wednesday, Oct. 12, May Room, Wilson Commons
  • Check out the Humanities Project: www.rochester.edu/College/humanities/
  • Learn about the VIPS – schedule an appointment with the Career Center to explore your career-related Values, Interests, Personality, and Skills—call 275-2366 to begin the process

Discover your special academic options offered at UR

Build on your strengths

  • Consider becoming a Workshop Leader, Teaching Assistant, Tutor, or Writing Fellow
  • Gain research experience: ask your professors about academic year and summer programs, here and elsewhere
  • Apply for a leadership role in Student Government or as an RA, D’Lion, Peer Adviser, Freshman Fellow, International Student Mentor

Find help

  • See your professor (really) or your TA; join a workshop or study group
  • Get help from the Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning (formerly LAS), Lattimore 107: note-taking & study skills, time management, disability support
  • Contact your pre-major or faculty adviser
  • Visit the Gwen M. Greene Career & Internship Center in Meliora Hall. Walk-ins: Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 5 pm
  • Stop into Academic Support (CCAS) for advice on just about EVERYTHING; walk-ins: M-F 1-4:00 pm, Lattimore 312
  • Look up answers in the Adviser Handbook — it’s on the CCAS website: www.rochester.edu/College/CCAS/
  • Use the confidential services of the University Counseling Center: 275-3113
  • Contact the Dean of Sophomores: sean.hanna@rochester.edu and the Assistant Dean of Sophomores: laura.ballou@rochester.edu

Take care of yourself

While you’re here, make connections with people …

  • Find a mentor or two! Your adviser, a professor or ANY faculty/staff member and talk with them regularly!
  • Check out your class website—sa.rochester.edu/clubs/2014/
  • Take a look at over 200 student organizations on Campus Club Connection at sa.rochester.edu/CCC/
  • Visit the Common Connection: Wilson Commons 201
  • Talk to a hallmate or classmate whose background is different from yours
  • Attend at least one of UR’s cultural events or unique traditions
  • Get involved — attend Activities Fairs: Fri., Sept. 2, 3-4:30 p.m. & Fri, Jan. 20, 3-4:30 p.m.
  • Celebrate your faith & learn about others
  • Attend a College Community weekend (Yellowjacket Weekend, Meliora Weekend, Winterfest, Spring Showtime)
  • Volunteer — any where, any amount of time you can spare; visit Rochester Center for Community Leadership, Wilson Commons 5th floor, for more info
  • Attend a campus event through reading Weekly Highlights and the Weekly Buzz

… And get to know your city

  • Visit the Common Connection for everything that’s happening off campus
  • Use your RED discount at local businesses www.rochester.edu/red/
  • Check out a concert at Eastman, an exhibit at Memorial Art Gallery or a movie at the George Eastman House
  • Take the bus: the bus schedules are easy—and available online and in the Campus Connections office.  The Red, Green, Blue, & Gold lines are free to UR students
  • Read City Newspaper, FREETIME Magazine, Democrat & Chronicle & other local publications for news and listings
  • Get involved with the local sports scene; take in a Red Wings, Amerks, Nighthawks, or Rhinos game.
  • Post a ride or find a ride on Roadtrip: sa.rochester.edu/roadtrip
  • Explore the city of Rochester by getting a Zip Car membership: www.zipcar.com/rochester/
  • Check out local and regional off-campus events at a discount through ROC tkts: sa.rochester.edu/sao/roc_tkts/
  • Explore an off-campus restaurant with the URos program