Exploratory Students
Arizona State University recognizes that many students are not ready to choose a specific academic program of study when first entering the university. Allowing students the option to declare “exploratory” major status permits students to begin meeting General Studies requirements that all ASU graduates must fulfill, as well as taking some time to explore a variety of academic courses that may lead to a potential major interest. University College Academic Advising Services is the academic home for all exploratory majors.
ASU students may remain as an exploratory major until forty-five (45) college credits have been earned. At this time, students must declare a specific academic major to pursue their degree and register for classes. University College academic advisors will assist students in explaining the major declaration process for their major of interest. Many majors at ASU will require the completion of at least one full semester, and possibly specific grade point averages, before students will be permitted to declare that specific academic major.
Incoming Freshmen:
Exploratory students who will be entering ASU as a new freshman will attend an ASU Orientation program. Students who are not able to attend any orientation program may call the University College Academic Advising office on your campus to discuss advising options. Students not attending orientation will need to complete pre-advising homework prior to scheduling their academic advising appointment.
Transfer Students:
Transfer students entering ASU and as an exploratory major must complete an academic advising homework assignment prior to meeting with a University College academic advisor.
Choosing Your Major:
Various resources are available throughout ASU to assist in the major exploration process. We recommend you start the process with some of the resources available through this link.
Academic Status Report Resources:
Many ASU faculty will provide students with an early notice of concern regarding your academic progress in their class. Faculty may use the Academic Status Report Resources during the fourth week of the semester to notify students regarding the lack of progress in class. ASU wants all of our students to succeed; therefore we have combined a number of resources under this link, which may prove helpful. It is not safe to assume that if you receive no early warning notices, then you are succeeding in all classes. Therefore, it is always in the student’s best interest to visit with his/her faculty instructors on a regular basis.
Academic Success Strategies:
Students who achieve a grade point average below the ASU academic good standing level will have specific requirements and restrictions placed on them. Please link to this page for details. Students are given one semester of a probation period to raise their grade point average above ASU academic good standing. If this is not achieved then, the student will be disqualified from ASU.
Disqualified/Low GPA:
Students who are disqualified from ASU will be required to achieve specific goals before being reinstated back into ASU. Visit this page to determine which strategies may be most helpful to you.
Explorers Residential
Colleges:
The Explorers Residential Colleges strive to develop diverse and supportive communities for first-year students by creating an on-campus residential environment that promotes active exploration, discovery, and decision-making regarding students’ major and career options while increasing awareness for their campus and community. This link provides more information about the communities and how to apply.