New Student Guide: Dean's Welcome
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The Liberal Arts and Your Opportunity to Learn and Grow
You are about to enroll in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Virginia. With approximately 10,500 undergraduates and 700 faculty, the College is by far the largest school in the University, which numbers over 19,000 students and 1,600 faculty.
As you begin to consider the subjects you would like to study during the next two years, do not be overly concerned about declaring a major immediately or transferring to a pre-professional school elsewhere in the University. By the time you graduate in 2012, more than 80% of you will earn degrees in subjects different from the one you originally intended to pursue. This statistic does not indicate students’ lack of direction. Rather, it shows that students explore the many opportunities the College provides, and are in turn influenced by their experiences. With this in mind, I encourage you to select courses that intrigue you, and to investigate areas of study you have not encountered before.
The College of Arts and Sciences is not a pre-professional school. We have no specific courses or programs that will train you to become a lawyer, doctor, or banker. Instead, we hope you will take advantage of the diversity that arts and sciences offers, and in the process, develop skills that will enhance your ability to succeed in any career. Graduate professional schools and businesses look favorably upon students being able to read critically, think independently, and express their thoughts intelligently. Furthermore, developing and completing a challenging academic program will give you the sense of accomplishment you need to embrace the opportunities that await you after graduation.
You will begin creating your fall semester schedule during Summer Orientation. When you return in the fall, you will meet with a Faculty Advisor who will guide you in choosing your courses, and eventually declaring a major. You will meet with your advisor at least twice during your first semester and at least once each semester thereafter until the end of your second year. During these meetings you will have the chance to discuss your academic program. You may seek further advice from your Association Dean in Garrett Hall concerning the many aspects of being a student in the College. Your advisor, your Dean, and the faculty are ready to assist you. Contact any of them whenever you think their knowledge and experience could benefit you. Remember, however, that you must take the initiative to get the help you require. You will gain the most from your advisors and instructors if you initiate and maintain contact with them.
As a student in the College you will have more freedom than you had in the past. With this freedom comes responsibility to work hard in your classes and to take advantage of the curricular opportunities the College provides. When you assume this responsibility will you gain the confidence you need to make informed and well-advised choices about your course of study and the life you wish to lead during your years here.
My colleagues and I look forward to beginning this academic adventure with you, and wish you satisfaction and success over the next four years.
Richard Handler, Associate Dean for Academic Programs
College of Arts and Sciences, April 2008