ASU students who have not been accepted to their first-choice professional program can attend a workshop to learn about other options.
"Choices: Major/Career Explorations" workshops are being offered throughout the summer by the University College, Career Services and Counseling and Consultation.
The workshop is targeted at students who need other options for their degrees.
"It is to help them start re-examining their strategy," said Casey Self, executive director for academic advising.
Though ASU has made efforts in the past to help this group of students, this is the first campuswide effort that encompasses all the colleges, Self said.
"I truly believe that any student who was accepted to ASU can find a place at ASU," Self said. "There's something for everyone."
When students are notified they have been rejected from a professional program, the college sends them a letter outlining their options, Self said.
Anna West, academic advising coordinator for the School of Architecture, said on average about half the students who apply to the professional program are rejected, though it does vary.
The workshops began in March and will be offered throughout the summer because colleges send letters of acceptance or decline at different times.
Considering options is a part of the workshop, but it also focuses on dealing with feelings and moving on.
"Some are angry or disappointed," Self said. "Some don't know how to tell Mom and Dad."
Self added that this is a pilot program, and its continuation will depend on the program's success.
"There's no expectation of 500 students," he said. "We will see who comes."
The schedule of workshops can be found online at asu.edu/students/choices.
Reach the reporter at katherine.ruark@asu.edu.
