New Academic Feature Lets Students Ask 'What If?'

UA students who ask, "What if I change my major to…?" now have an easy way to get some answers. A "What If?" option, now available as part of the new degree audit for undergraduates, will show students which requirements are completed and which are remaining for any major, minor and other program plans.

"This exciting new feature will allow students an easy way to explore other majors, consider their options, understand fully what the requirements would be, and decide the best pathway to graduation," said Dan Ferritor, interim chancellor. "Faculty and advisors will also be able to use it to help students looking for direction find the right fit. This is another great tool to help our students reach the finish line."

The "What If?" feature is available at the bottom of the degree audit plan selection page, the first page students land on for their degree audit. Instructions on using the "What If?" can be found here.

Michael York, a junior in Walton College, thinks the "What If?" will help take some of the mystery out of exploring majors.

"We are told as college students that we will probably change our major, and I know that is a terrifying, complicated change to wrap your mind around. The "What-If?" capabilities will allow students to make the switch to a major or minor that they enjoy without leaving them in the dark and adding years to their college careers."

For some students, this tool will help them see the possibilities of choosing a program of study that truly interests them.

"For me, I was exposed to public health when I studied abroad in Sweden this past summer, and I've been wrestling with the idea of 'What if I added a public health minor or major to my degree plan?'" said Weston Grant, a junior in Fulbright College. "I have no idea what that would look like, but now with the new "What if?" option in the degree audit, I can explore the possibility of following my new found passion in Public Health."

Advisors are also looking forward to using this new option.

"As academic advisors, we are all very excited about such a powerful tool that will allow students to make informed decisions about their major," said Shane Barker, director of the Fulbright College Advising Center. "In combination with the new degree audit, all students can see what their own personal path to graduation looks like within their own major or any major they may be considering."

"The degree audit team has worked diligently to make the "What If?" a useful tool for students and advisors and we look forward to hearing feedback on how it is working," said Dave Dawson, associate vice provost for enrollment services and university registrar. "I see this tool as just another way we can positively impact retention and graduation."