Declaring your major is a vital step for all Honours Arts and Honours Arts and Business students.

Submit a Plan Modification Form by April 2nd to be considered for admission to your major for Fall 2012.

There are several steps to declaring your major. Review and complete each step carefully!

• St. Jerome's registered students must submit the plan modification form to the SJU Registrar's Office, STJ 2007.
• Waterloo Arts and Business students must submit the plan modification form to Susan Andrews, PAS 2439. St. Jerome's registered Arts and Business students submit the plan modification form to John Arnou, STJ 2003.

Ask for Help

• Read the Frequently Asked Questions
• If you have any general questions or concerns, such as how to figure out if you are eligible for a major, contact your First Year Advisor, they'll be happy to assist you.
• Contact the major advisors with your detailed questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to declare my major now?
Even though you officially begin your major in 2A, you need to select a major now in order to prepare for the courses you'll take in Fall Term.

Important: Arts and Business requires students to declare an Honours major/plan by the end of first year in order to be eligible to proceed into second year. Drop your plan modification form off to your Arts and Business Advisor.

What happens if I don't declare my major?
You'll proceed as a Liberal Studies student. If you choose to declare a major later, just complete a Plan Modification form and drop it off at the Arts Undergraduate Office (PAS 2439).

If you are undecided about which major to choose or have questions about Liberal Studies, make an appointment with an academic advisor to discuss your options and future courses.

I requested a major on my OUAC application, do I still have to complete the Plan Modification form?
Yes, because students are not admitted to a major in first year, you still need to submit a Plan Modification form.

• Remember: You may have changed your mind about your major. So we need you to let us know what your choice is.

What courses do I need to be eligible to declare a major / plan?

• If you're in Arts and Business you must declare a major to continue in your program. Review the "Prospective Major Chart" from first-year. Keep in mind that for most majors, only two of your ten courses should be in your major area, however you must have taken at least two courses in the major to be eligible to declare it. The rest should be your Faculty of Arts BA Breadth Requirements. (Arts and Business students have additional required courses)
• For Honours Arts students it is possible to have as few as eight courses and still declare your major. Again, in order to be eligible for a major, you must have taken at least two courses in that discipline.
• For students in any program who wish to declare a major but are not eligible to do so, or for students who have further questions, contact your academic advisor.

Tip: Your academic standing is the best indicator of how you are doing in your program. Getting admitted to a major is based on your overall academic performance and your level of achievement in at least two courses in that subject area.

Which courses should I take in second year and when do I choose them?

Consult the department of the major you wish to choose; they can assist you in selecting required courses for your major.

In addition to consulting the appropriate department with regard to appropriate course selections review the 2A Prospective Major Chart to pre-enrol in classes.

Make sure you pre-enrol for your classes during pre-enrolment week (February 27 to March 4), then check back during your enrolment appointment to view the courses you've been scheduled into, add to your schedule, or alter your schedule for the fall.

Where can I find the averages and courses required for my major / plan?

Major / plan requirements are listed in the Arts section of the Undergraduate Calendar.  

What if I change my mind about my major / plan?

This is okay. Submit another "Plan Modification" form with your new major request. If you are having trouble making up your mind, meet with an academic advisor to help you sort through any questions or concerns you may have.

I didn't get my Plan Modification form in, what can I do now?

Get your form into the Department Office as soon as you can.  Even if you have missed the pre-enrolment week for Fall term, it is very helpful for the department to know you are interested in the major and it is essential to let them know you wish to be considered for the major at the end of Winter term.

What if I am concerned about my grades?

Make an appointment with your First Year Academic Advisor.  Honours Arts students can wait and declare a major in second year if they need more time to qualify.  If you're not sure what your grades will be, declare your major anyway. 

Must I have a major /plan?

Arts and Business Students must declare a major now. First-year Honours Arts students can declare a major or continue in Liberal Studies. However officially declaring a major can be advantageous for future course enrolment.

General Information Sessions for "Declaring Your Major"

uWaterloo main campus

St. Jerome's University

Renison University College

Department Sessions for "Declaring Your Major"