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California State University, Chico

Exploratory Studies (Undeclared)

Exploratory Studies empowers students to make informed decisions about their major and future career while emphasizing that the primary purpose of a college education is to become an engaged, adaptable, and effective learner.

Meet the Exploratory Studies Team

  • Greg Morales

    Greg Morales

    Academic Advising Coordinator
    Undergraduate Education and Academic Success
    gmorales11@csuchico.edu
    530-898-4502

    Location: Meriam Library 338

    Virtual Advising through August 13th
    Scheduled Appointments (Virtual via Zoom)

    In person advising will begin on August 10th.

    Services and Support

    • Strategic Course Planning
    • Academic Progress Checking
    • Major Exploration & Declaration
    • Connection with campus tools and resources

  • Cassandra Faith

    Cassandra (Cassie) Faith

    Student Success Faculty Mentor
    Lecturer; Recreation, Hospitality and Parks Management
    cfaith@csuchico.edu

    Location: Meriam Library 208

    Drop-Ins And Appointments
    August – May
    Monday and Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m

    Drop-in anytime during listed hours, otherwise email is preferred. Virtual meetings by appointment via email.

    Services and Support

    • Getting connected to campus resources
    • Academic Success / Career Exploration 
    • Social events and connection 
    • Community information / General questions

Student Success Center (The Lounge)

Location: Meriam Library, Room 208
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Exploratory Studies has a Student Success Center located in the FYE space on the second floor of the library.

Benefits of the Success Center (The Lounge)

  • Individual, semi-quiet study space. Do your homework and access outlets where you can recharge your electronics.
  • Take a break. Play some cards. Take a nap. Heat up some food…
  • Occasional snacks such as grab and go treats and coffee and donuts, workshops, and generally a nice space to hang out while on campus. Come see us!

Check Canvas Exploratory Studies Organization for announcements and resources throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Advising staff provides assistance to undergraduate students who are in the process of exploring majors. Advisors can help you:

  • Discover ways in which you can create an educational experience that is uniquely yours by integrating a major with a minor, certificate program, and select electives. 
  • Explore a selection of general education courses that can introduce you to various majors and minors that might be of interest to you.
  • Choose an occupation and focus on an area of study that prepares for that career path.

Declare a Major

  • Build advising relationships with faculty who can help you...
    • Plan your class schedule
    • Benefit the most from your major, including double-counting courses from the major that fulfill other graduation and general education requirements.
    • Progress through the degree program as quickly as possible, if that is important to you.
    • Improve your chances for internships, job opportunities, or graduate school.
  • Receive information about new courses offered, changes in schedules, special speakers, and internships and job opportunities related to your major, such as faculty research, tutoring, grant-funded projects, and summer work.
  • Have opportunities to participate in student organizations and clubs which include opportunities for leadership, volunteerism, professional development, and networking with others who have similar career plans.
  • Become eligible for scholarships that are for declared majors only.
  • Network with other students from the major, including alumni.

Each college offers a variety of diverse and exciting majors. Specific classes offer a glimpse of what the major has to offer.

Check out these helpful resources:

There is no need to rush your decision, but you should declare a major once you're confident it matches your academic and career goals. While you're exploring, meet regularly with an Exploratory Studies advisor or mentor, take introductory courses in areas of interest, and use campus resources to narrow your options. Declaring a major early enough to follow your degree plan can help you stay on track for graduation and take advantage of major-specific advising, scholarships, internships, and student organizations.