Parent Guide

Exploratory students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each month and work through a flexible five-step exploration process. Steps can be repeated or done in any order, based on each student’s needs.

Step 1: Identify interests, skills and values — through assessments and conversations with people who know them well.
Step 2: Explore UNI’s majors — using our website, senior stories and the Majors in Minutes event.
Step 3: Research options — by joining student organizations, talking with Career Services, meeting faculty and using online tools.
Step 4: Narrow choices — by comparing options, making pro/con lists or job shadowing (with help from Career Services).
Step 5: Declare a major — once ready, students meet with their advisor to complete the declaration form and get connected to a new advisor in their chosen are of study.

• See being Exploratory as positive — it gives your student time to discover their interests, skills, and values before choosing a major.
• Encourage them to meet with their Exploratory advisor each month and use campus resources.
• Avoid saying “You should major in…” — instead, ask questions and listen.
• Reflect with them on their strengths and what you see in them.
• Don’t pressure them to declare a major before they’re ready.
• Listen openly — students may struggle to share their uncertainty about the future.
• Encourage them to join campus activities and do informational interviews in different fields.
• Help them challenge myths like “I’ll figure it out later” or “I can’t change once I decide.”
• If they want to change their major, support them and suggest they talk with an advisor.
• Most importantly, reassure them that this process takes time and effort — and remind them they’re not alone.

• What majors are you considering? What interests you about those majors?
• What activities do you see yourself doing in your future career?
• What kinds of work environments could you picture yourself in?
• What have you done so far to explore majors?
• What would be some helpful next steps for you to take?
• What is one thing you hope to get out of your career?
• How can I help?

This is a big decision for your student. It may be difficult for you to step back and allow your student to struggle with it. Be honest if you student asks your opinion, but remember that this must ultimately be your students decision.

Encourage your student to get involved in field-specific work, student organizations, or research experience to develop their skills and knowledge. It is important for students to gain practical experience to evaluate if they can see themselves in a particular field after graduation.