Major Declaration Celebration resumes in-person
The St. Olaf College Class of 2024 declared their majors and intentions for the future on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at the college’s annual Major Declaration Celebration.
“Declaring a major is so important,” says Assistant Director of Retention and Success Jillian Rowan. “When students have this clarity, it helps mentors and advisors to direct them down the right path — giving students the best chance of meeting their goals.”
Around 500 sophomores attended the hourlong in-person event and celebrated their next steps with department chairs and friends.
President David R. Anderson ‘74 handed out Class of 2024 t-shirts with Student Body President Andy Nelson and other volunteers. Photo opportunities were available for groups and individuals — as well as with Ole the Lion. Students were able to check off an item on the Sophomore Bucket List for attending as part of the ongoing Sophomore Experience in hopes to earn a St. Olaf branded bucket hat. There were games and opportunities to learn more about the Piper Center for Vocation and Career, Alumni and Parent Relations, the Center for Advising and Academic Support (CAAS), and International and Off-Campus Studies.
The beloved build-your-own cookie station became a cookie take-away station this year, but the spirit of the annual tradition lived on. Most importantly, departments were able to acknowledge and welcome their students in-person with signs, selfies, and celebration.
Two new majors were available for sophomores this year: creative writing and Nordic studies. A new emphasis in Sami and critical Indigenous studies was also available for the first time.
Major Declaration Day was first held at St. Olaf in 2016. Prior to this time, approximately 20 percent of all students were still undeclared by their junior year.
Today, following the success of Major Declaration Day, just 6.5 percent of our current sophomore class is undeclared. The remainder include individual majors who are in the process of having their major approved, and individuals who need more support to finalize their decision — which is given through CAAS, the Piper Center for Vocation and Career, and their advisor.
Congratulations to the St. Olaf Class of 2024!