4 Reasons You (a Current Arts Student) Should Go to Open House
It just might be the game changer you didn’t know you needed!
Did you attend the U of A Open House when you were a high school student? The answer is probably 50/50 yes or no. But either way, coming down to the Butterdome on Saturday, October 19 could be the best thing you do all weekend.
(Alright, that might be an exaggeration. But on the other hand…maybe not!)
Here’s four reasons to attend Open House:
1. You’re a First Year Arts Student
The vast majority of Arts students (all U of A students actually) change their major/minor/program at least once during their degree. And, I suspect that there’s at least one course that you are taking that isn’t what you expected/wanted/hoped it to be. So come to Open House with fresh eyes!
All the Arts departments together in the same room is a rare occurrence. And coincidentally, is also a great place to figure out how to customize your degree.
Imagine for a minute that you’re totally loving your intro sociology class. What is it that you love? Think about it and hit up the other Arts booths and say “I’m really enjoying learning about xyz. How does that fit together with what the Department of Music (or History & Classics or Philosophy or MLCS) offers?”
2. You Haven’t Declared a Major Yet
Did you know that “undeclared” is the most popular choice of major for first year BA students? At some point you’ll need to make a choice (we recommend by the end of year 2), and Open House could inspire you to make your choice.
If you’re in the BA or BA Honors programs here’s the full list of majors the Faculty of Arts offers:
Ancient & Medieval History, Anthropology, Classics, Drama, East Asian Studies (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Film Studies, History, HADVC (History of Art, Design & Visual Culture), Human Geography, Linguistics, Mathematics, Media Studies*** Modern Languages & Cultural Studies [(languages include: French, German, Spanish.) (Cultural studies include: Comparative Literature, Latin American Studies, Scandinavian Studies, Slavic Studies)], Music, Philosophy, Planning, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Science, Technology & Society, Sociology, and, Women’s & Gender Studies.
Did you see the *** in the middle? Yes — Media Studies — a new major!
That list is pretty long… and probably included at least one major you didn’t know was available to you. Do you know what types of careers these majors could lead to? Come armed with questions and get answers at Open House!
3. You Want to Bolster Your Degree and Stand Out From the Crowd
You’ve been asked it before (and maybe even worried about it yourself)— how are you going to stand out from the sea of other new Arts grads after you cross the stage at your convocation? The answer is simple: customize your degree!
Double-up with another major, learn about your options for integrating a certificate, figure out if there’s an experiential learning component (or two) that you can mesh into your studies, or dive into research with an Honors program.
These components can all be accommodated into your undergrad degree, and in the “standard” four years as well (if finishing out of that time frame is a deal-breaker for you).
BA (and BA Honors) students are required to choose a single major and nothing more.
However, you can have a double major, or major with one minor, or a major with two minors, or a major and a certificate (or more). As for the “experiential learning” I keep mentioning — get yourself some experience with research, studying or working abroad, doing an internship or co-op placement — all these ‘hands-on’ opportunities are going to help you zone in on what you’re passionate about. And that’s what’s going to help you shine!
Additionally, there are a few subject areas that are available as minors only: Arts & Cultural Management, Creative Writing, Central/East European Studies, International Studies, Sciences, Native Studies, or Christian Theology.
Tailor your experiences and studies by incorporating something alongside your required major.
4. You’re Planning for the Future
Have you considered grad school? What about a professional program? (Yes you can be pre-med in Arts!)
Arts grads go on to programs such as law, medicine, speech pathology, the MBA program and more. Come to Open House and talk to reps from each of these faculties or program areas — because even if you’re only kinda considering grad school, a professional program or further education, doing a bit of research sooner rather than later is never a bad idea.
Similarly, if you’re ready to start climbing the ladder out in the working world, give yourself a leg up with help from the U of A Career Centre (booth 47). In addition to what the main career centre offers, the Faculty of Arts has its own team of career staff — come talk to them at the main Faculty of Arts booth (booth 70). There are so many professional development and career services available that are specifically geared towards Arts students. Find out which ones will work best with your academic, personal and professional goals!
The customization that is possible within your undergraduate Arts degree is almost limitless — thinking about your post-graduation goals will help you create a specialized and meaningful undergrad experience right now.
University of Alberta Open House
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Butterdome (Universiade Pavillion)
9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Here’s a few links you might find helpful:
uab.ca/arts4u — a listing of all events for Arts students (including Open House)
University of Alberta Open House main website
Open House 2019 Program Guide (see inside for Arts presentations, tours and where to find the main Faculty of Arts booth as well as the individual Department booths in the Booth Fair)
Faculty of Arts website — Honors, Majors and Minors, Certificates, and Experiential Learning sections
Media Studies — our newest major!
Student Services section of the Faculty of Arts website — access a variety of tutorial videos, tip sheets and link to book an Advising Appointment with one of the USS advisors.
