Advising Undecided Students
Maura Reynolds
Abstract
In this session, we’llconsider what advisors need to work effectively with the variety of undecided students we meet with (it’s been estimated that 75% of students beginning college are either unsure of their major or lack information needed to make an informed choice of major.). We’ll look quickly at the research about undecided students and decision-making, consider the pressures students feel, discuss practical tools to use in our work with undecided students, and learn from some award-winning programs.
Case studies will make this session interactive and will give us opportunities to learn from one another.
Web Resources
Personality and Type Indicators:
1.)Keirsey.com
Personality Temperament Sorter
2.)iMapMyLife.com
Personality Inventory
Value Inventories:
1.)University of Minnesota at Morris Career Center, Values Inventory
2.)Career-intelligence.com
Soul Survival: Career Values
Interest Inventories:
MAPP—Motivational Assessment of Personality Potential
Skill Surveys:
US Department of Labor, Career One Stop
What can I do with a Major in?
Bank of American Career Services Center at the University of Delaware
Major Resource Kit
Career and Occupational Guides:
1.)Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupation Outlook Handbook
2.)US Department of Labor, Career One Stop
NACADA Award Winning Exploratory Programs
- Indiana University, University Division
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Exploratory Program
- Niagara University, Academic Exploration Program
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Division of General Studies
- The Ohio State Exploration Program
- Oregon State University, University Exploratory Studies Program
- Penn State University, Div of Undergrad Studies
- Washburn University, Center for Undergrad Studies & Programs
- Waynesburg University, Academic Advising
- University of Wisconsin/River Falls, Pre-Major
Bibliography
Ayala, C. & Striplen, A. (2002). A career introduction model for first generation college freshmen students. ERIC 469 996
Baxter Magolda, M.& King, P. (2008). Toward reflective conversations: An advising approach that promotes self-authorship. Peer Review, 10 (Winter 2008, 1). Pp.8-11.
Brooks, K. (2009). You majored in what?: Mapping your path from chaos to career. New York: Viking.
Castillo Clark, E. & Kalionzes, J.(2008). Advising students of color and international students. In Gordon, V, Habley, W & Grites, T. Academic advising: A comprehensive handbook, 2nd edition (pp.204-225). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Cuseo, J. (2005). Decided, undecided, and in transition: Implications for academic advisement, career counseling and student retention. In R. S. Feldman (Ed.). Improving the first year of college: Research and practice. (pp. 27-48). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Forest, L. (2006). Advising gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students. AcademicAdvising Today, 29(4), 7. Retrieved May 31, 2011, from
Gordon, V. N., & Steele, G. E. (2003). Undecided first-year students: A 25-year longitudinal study. Journal of the First-Year Experience, 15(1), 19-38.
Gordon, V. (2007). Undecided students: A special population. In P. Jordan &L. Huff (Eds.), Advising special populations, Monograph # 17 (pp. 187-202).Manhattan, Kansas: NACADA.
Gore, P. & Metz, A. (2008). Advising for career and life planning. In Gordon, V, Habley, W & Grites, T. Academic advising: A comprehensive handbook, 2nd edition (pp.103-117). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Harding, B. (2008). Students with specific advising needs. In Gordon, V, Habley, W & Grites, T. Academic advising: A comprehensive handbook, 2nd edition (pp.189-203). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
Joslin, J. (2007). Working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students. InP. Jordan & L. Huff (Eds.), Advising special populations, Monograph # 17 (pp.87-95). Manhattan, Kansas: NACADA.
Steele, G. (2003). A research-based approach to working with undecided students: A case study illustration. NACADA Journal, 1 & 2, 10-19. . (NACADA members can download free
Steele, G. & McDonald, M. (2008). Moving through college. In Gordon, V, Habley, W. & Grites, T. Academic advising: A comprehensive handbook, 2nd edition (pp.157-177). San Francisco, CA: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
VanWie, K. (2011) Academic advising and career development for undecided transfer students. In Poisel, M. & Joseph, S., eds. Transfer students in higher education: Building foundations for policies, programs, and services that foster student success. FYE Monograph Series, Number 54.
NACADA Commission on Undecided and Exploratory Students -- promotes theadvancement and improvement of academic advising of undecided and exploratorycollege students through the greater dissemination of resources and research pertinent tothis educational endeavor.