Monmouth University freshmen had the opportunity to explore the university’s minor programs during an academic welcome event outside the Plangere Center following a mandatory event at Pollak Theatre on Sept. 9.
The event introduced members of the Class of 2030 to different academic departments and gave students the opportunity to meet faculty, learn about minors and discover opportunities outside of their chosen majors.
Freshman Seric Smith, an animation major, said he followed the line from Pollak Theatre to the event and decided to explore the different minors offered at Monmouth. “I’ve always thought about taking a minor in history,” Smith said. “It’s the most flexible.”
Smith said the event also gave him the opportunity to meet representatives from different departments. Students could collect stickers from the tables, with three stickers earning them a free T-shirt.
Jeffery Cook, lecturer in the department of music and theatre arts, said the event was intended to help students become more familiar with the academic community at Monmouth.
“The goal was not only an academic welcome for our Class of 2030 to meet the professors and programs within their major, but for each student to see our faculty outside the classroom and to be invited into our community,” Cook said.
Cook said exploring minors can allow students to build on interests they develop through their coursework.
“I think it’s important for the school to share all the opportunities for students to broaden their experience here at Monmouth,” Cook said. “For some students it’s that GenEd course that inspires them to delve deeper into subject, and to connect that subject to their major program.”
A minor typically requires 15 credits, or five classes. Courses taken toward a minor can also fulfill credit requirements needed for graduation.
Chris DeRosa, Ph.D., associate professor of history and anthropology, said the university changed its approach this year by encouraging students to visit departmental tables after the academic welcome.
“You may have known what you want to major in right away but as you are in college and exploring, you might see that you have a certain amount of electives,” DeRosa said. “You can take those electives and formulate them into a minor.”
DeRosa also said having a minor can provide students with an additional area of study that may be considered by future employers.
Annika Jantz, a senior communication major who served as an orientation leader during the summer and fall, said the event provided students with an opportunity to meet professors and learn more about programs at Monmouth.
“This is a great way for students to branch out, meet their professors, and explore what minors and opportunities are here at Monmouth,” Jantz said.
The Communication Department had lawn games near its table, allowing students to interact with current students and members of campus organizations. The Public Relations Student Society of America, HawkTV and The Outlook were among the organizations represented at the event.
Lorna Schmidt, director of advising for the Department of Communication, said events like this give incoming students a chance to have fun while becoming familiar with current students and the university community.
Cook said students who take the opportunity to explore the university’s academic offerings may discover options they had not previously considered.
“I think these events are great when students take the chance to learn about our academic community,” Cook said. “I’m sure more than a few simply wandered away after the event at Pollak Theatre, but they truly don’t know what they could be missing by learning more about the various academic pathways with our school.”
Thursday, September 24, 2026
