The exploratory learning program at Kent State welcomes about 500 students each year, making it the largest major for first-years. These students differ from undecided students because, although they may not know their path, they are actively working toward discovering it.
The Exploratory Advising Center supports students in their decisions about a major or career path.
The center uses an individualized approach tailored to each student and how long they have been at Kent, what their needs are and their comfort level.
“The center is flexible and radical about how they advise students,” said David Fair, an exploratory advisor.
Each advisor can work with around 200 students during a semester, Fair said. But they still focus on building personal relationships with all their students.
“We want our students to be comfortable with us, so that they can come to us when they have a question or need help. As they start to get more acclimated and comfortable, we start to dial up the level of exploration methods,” he said.
Students and advisors work together to accomplish the shared goal of deciding on a major or career path.
Sessions in the Exploratory Advising Center usually begin with 20 minutes of the 60 allotted for the advisor and student to chat about anything, whether personal or academic, Fair said.
“This process is a collaboration between the student and advisor, opening the conversation for them to make that decision,” Fair said.
Ella McCloskey, a sophomore communication studies major and exploratory mentor, was part of the exploratory program in 2023-2024 school year.
“It was a very involved process. I valued the knowledge of my advisor, and I liked that I was still in control of my own decisions,” McCloskey said.
Indiya Bradley, a sophomore visual communication design major and former exploratory student, believes the advisor-student relationship is important for the success of exploratory students.
“I met with my advisor often, and we had a really good relationship. They were very patient when helping me find what I wanted to do,” Bradley said.
While building relationships with students, exploratory advisors learn about their interests, goals and work preferences, which helps them to recommend coursework and strategies for students to explore majors.
“When I met with my advisor, we discussed making a schedule that would work for me,” McCloskey said. “We looked at classes on the computer, and he walked me through how the course would fulfill my requirements and my interests.”
This program allows students to take the time they need to explore their options, Fair said.
“I had some ideas for majors, but I didn’t know what I wanted to choose. So, I took classes for those majors to see which I liked better,” Bradley said.
Exploratory students are encouraged to take courses related to what they are interested in or the majors they are considering.
When students become more adjusted, they can transition from introductory courses and begin taking major or career exploration courses. Students can also connect with a career advisor to help them further their exploration, Fair said.
During the exploratory process, advisors help students obtain job shadowing opportunities and skills to complete personal research.
Exploratory advisors sometimes give students referrals for advisors within the college they are interested in exploring, Fair said.
“You don’t have to worry about falling behind because of how Kent’s system works,” McCloskey said. “The [Exploratory] Advising Center works with you to give you the time and flexibility to decide while ensuring you don’t fall behind.”
Joi Sims is a reporter. You can contact her at [email protected].