For the many students who are still undeclared or who are thinking about switching majors, next week UW-Eau Claire’s Advising and New Student Initiative will host its annual Majors Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday in the Council Fire Room of Davies Center.

“This event is perfect for all students whether declared or undeclared,” academic adviser Jacqueline Bonneville said.
Each academic department will have faculty as well as student representation at the fair, which is free to students, Bonneville said.

The university offers about 80 undergraduate degrees, according to the university Web site.

“(The fair) saves students’ time because all of the information is at their finger tips,” she said.

The faculty and student representatives will be available to answer students’ questions about the various majors, minors and pre-professional programs their departments offer.

Students who attend can also receive flyers and pamphlets about the different academic programs available at the university.

Also on hand for students are representatives from Career Services as well as representatives from the Service-Learning office.

“The student representatives show a great deal of pride and excitement for their chosen majors that the visitors can feel while they’re there,” Bonneville said. “It will be a festive atmosphere with lots of conversation among students and faculty.”

In addition, festivities will include free popcorn for all who attend as well as music throughout the day and prize drawings every hour, Bonneville said.

In order for students to participate in the prize drawings they have to register for them at the advising table the day of the fair.

Freshman Bekki Kidnie, a music performance major, said she was unaware the university offered the fair. Although she has declared a major, she said she might attend the event to speak with other students and faculty within her program.

She also said she believes the event will be helpful for students.

“A lot of people are undeclared,” Kidnie said. “Some freshmen don’t even know what opportunities are available.”

Sophomore Kasey Vesel, who is currently undeclared, said she attended the event last year.

While she said the event wasn’t extremely useful for her, she said she feels that it could be beneficial for other students.

“It will give them an idea and broaden their horizons to what’s out there,” Vesel said.

This year marks the eighth year for the Majors Fair.

Bonneville said she expects the success of this year’s fair to be on par with previous years. She said that she anticipates hundreds to attend throughout the day. She also added that the event will be worth continuing in the future.

“The event should be well-attended,” Bonneville said. “Students who can should try and find time within their day to stop up and see what we are all about.”