Soon, freshmen entering UB may be forced to declare a major at the very onset.
A proposal to enact that policy was introduced at Tuesday's meeting of the Faculty Senate by Chairman Michael Cohen. According to Cohen, the proposal could help freshmen to focus their studies earlier in their college career and could allow for more specialized advisors who can assist students in a specific field.
However, Cohen said some students might be at a disadvantage if they do not know what they want to major in, and, after declaring their major, find themselves in a field of study in which they perform poorly.
Samuel Schack, chairman of the Department of Mathematics, said the idea had been discussed on the faculty chair listserv and "opinions ranged from negative to strongly negative."
Schack said the proposal is anti-academic, since the intent of education is to narrow a student's focus and provide specialized skills only after he or she has received a broad education.
Ryan Murphy, a senior psychology major who recently switched his major, said the idea does not allow students to explore educational options and would stifle students who are unsure of what major to pursue.
"The first couple of years should just be taking the gen. eds, and taking what you like and seeing what appeals to you," said Murphy.
"I don't think that's fair, because I declared my major last week," he joked.
Murphy said he declared mathematics as his major during his freshman year, and it was a mistake.
"I hated it," Murphy said. "So I got a minor in that instead."
Jason Lang, a sophomore business and psychology major, entered UB as an Honors Scholar, which required him to declare a major immediately. Lang said the experience helped sharpen his goals and keep him focused during his first year at UB.
Lang said the proposal could provide incoming freshmen with the same advantage.
"I think it's a good idea because it helped me get ahead and actually plan better for my four years and know what I have to take and when I have to take it," said Lang.
For students who are unsure about majors, Lang said this proposal could provide an incentive for students to start thinking about majors during high school and the summertime, thus making their transition to college easier and more successful.
"I think that will help students like me in the future be more focused and more effective in the future," said Lang.
