Big week
The Major/Minor Fair is today. Sophomores have been getting messages all week about this, including one today, as major/minor declaration is typically open only to sophomores (and some juniors who had not declared previously). The formal declaration period typically happens at the end of January/beginning of February. Students who are eligible to declare a major will receive more information about this next semester.
Let me put on my adviser hat for a second: the best major for your student is the major they like, are interested in, and/or have an aptitude for. My personal experience – and I have seen this borne out through all my years as an adviser – is that if you choose a major you really like, good grades will follow (and you will likely be happier). If you choose a major you don’t like, but you think it will look good on a resume, or you feel pressure (real or imagined) to choose a major that your family wants, you might not have the same outcome. Every major is a marketable major – every major teaches you to write well, and think critically, and work with others. So give your students the gift of choosing the major that best suits them.
Hit the Bricks is tomorrow, and I am superbummed that I am not able to come to campus to help document that for you in the Daily Deac due to my isolation. You might be able to catch a long distance glimpse of the action as they run by Wait Chapel via the Quad Cam. But you should also follow Wake’s social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook and other social media sites because I know there will be a lot of great Hit the Bricks coverage there.
Wanted to share an important message from the Student Health Service: students who are planning travel at Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, etc. should be aware of COVID testing requirements for airlines/their destinations and make plans well in advance for any required COVID testing. The Student Health Service cannot provide asymptomatic COVID travel testing. Students who need to secure tests can consult any of the following resources.
For all who are attending on Family Weekend, it might be helpful to review a previous Daily Deac with final Family Weekend details. We had some questions about the Clear Bag Policy and you can read the fine print on their website to get specifics re dimensions of what can be brought to the football game, etc. There is also an FAQ on the Family Weekend website.
One other Family Weekend thought I offer every year: not everyone’s family is able to come to Family Weekend. If there is a student on your Deac’s hall, or in one of their classes, who will be on their own this weekend, consider including them in your plans to go out to dinner or whatever. Being included when your own family can’t be here can be an amazing gift to that student – and your own Deac might make a new friend (or deepen an existing friendship).
I know my colleagues are looking forward to welcoming you here, and the weather looks pretty close to perfect. If you plan to be outdoors for a long stretch of time, pack your sunscreen just so you are covered.
