Departmental open houses, 2025
Here is a list of upcoming departmental open houses for students who are choosing a major, minor or area of study.
At these events, you can find out more about a specific area of study and its requirements, talk with faculty, and often also chat with current students and alumni in that field.
If your area of interest is not listed, or if you are unsure about which open house to attend, contact your advisor. You are welcome and encouraged to attend more than one open house.
Did you know?
While you may already be taking classes in your intended major, all new students are officially "undeclared" until they submit a major declaration.
Why declare now?
By declaring your major, you will:
- Get an advisor in your major
- Gain access to major-specific courses (like BUSN)
- Potentially qualify for additional credits at no extra tuition (e.g., Education majors)
- Ensure your major department can help plan your courses
- Have flexibility—you can change majors later if needed
- Stay on track—students must declare by 60 credits
What should you do before declaring?
Explore your intended major by attending a departmental open house, reading about the major, and reviewing course requirements for the major. If you have questions, see the contact person listed on the major requirement sheet.
How to declare a major
Complete and submit the Major/Minor/Advisor Change form by Friday, March 21 at 4:30 p.m.
Want to declare a minor as well? Please wait until after you have declared your major and you receive a confirmation email from administrator@augustana.edu. Then you can declare a minor if desired using the same form. Submit a new form for each additional major or minor.
After you declare
- Check your Progress Report in Arches (allow up to 5 days for processing).
- Contact your new major advisor to meet before fall course registration—your major advisor is the only one who can clear your advisor restriction.
Not ready to declare yet?
That’s okay! You have until the end of your sophomore year (or 60 credits) to declare.
For guidance on choosing a major, schedule an appointment with Keri Bass, Assistant Director of Vocational Exploration, in CORE. To schedule, sign in to Handshake, then go to Career Center → Appointments → Schedule a New Appointment. Select Exploration → Exploring Majors. Then choose a time, fill out the form and submit!
Questions?
If you have any questions, please reach out to your advisor or learningcommon@augustana.edu.
Open houses
Accounting
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1-2 p.m.
Evald 314
Pizza will be provided! All prospective students are invited to stop by.
Program page: Accounting
Faculty contact: Nadia Schwartz
Asian Studies
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: Asian Studies
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
Business Administration
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1-1:55 p.m.
Evald third floor lounge
Join us for an opportunity to connect with faculty, meet the Director of Advising, Dr. Marme, and learn about the two majors and five concentrations we offer. This is a great chance to hear about faculty members' expertise, career paths, and even their hobbies! Plus, enjoy Jimmy John's and cookies.
Program page: Business Administration
Faculty contact: Mamata Marmé
Classics
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: Classics
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD)
Friday, Feb. 28, 2-3 p.m.
Brodahl Classroom 100
Are you a current or prospective student interested in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) or Disability Studies? Join us for an informative session where you can get an overview of the program, meet faculty and fellow students, and ask questions about courses, career opportunities, and academic pathways. This is a great chance to explore how these programs can shape your future while enjoying free snacks and drinks in a welcoming environment. We look forward to seeing you there!
Program page: Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication Studies
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: Communication Studies
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
Computer Science
Friday, March 14, 1-2 p.m.
Olin 209
Join us for a special Pi Day edition of our weekly Math & Computer Science seminar! Whether you're a current or prospective student, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious pie, snacks, and drinks, connect with faculty and fellow students, and engage in great conversations about math and computing. This fun and welcoming gathering is the perfect way to celebrate Pi Day while learning more about the department and its opportunities. We’d love to see you there! 🥧🎓
Program page: Computer Science
Faculty contact: Andrew Sward or Forrest Stonedahl
Disability Studies
Friday, Feb. 28, 2-3 p.m.
Brodahl Classroom 100
Are you a current or prospective student interested in Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) or Disability Studies? Join us for an informative session where you can get an overview of the program, meet faculty and fellow students, and ask questions about courses, career opportunities, and academic pathways. This is a great chance to explore how these programs can shape your future while enjoying free snacks and drinks in a welcoming environment. We look forward to seeing you there!
Program page: Disability Studies
Education
English
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: English
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
Geology
No open house
Udden Geology Club meets every Friday at 4:30 p.m. in Swenson 106. First-year students are always welcome! We discuss academic opportunities, careers, jobs, research opportunities, etc. Free cookies! Curious students should also feel free to contact Dr. Strasser or any other faculty member in Geology.
Program page: Geology
Faculty contact: Jeffrey Strasser
History
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: History
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
International Business
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1-1:55 p.m.
Evald third floor lounge
Join us for an opportunity to connect with faculty, meet the Director of Advising, Dr. Marme, and learn about the two majors and five concentrations we offer. This is a great chance to hear about faculty members' expertise, career paths, and even their hobbies! Plus, enjoy Jimmy John's and cookies.
Program page: International Business
Faculty contact: Mamata Marmé
Mathematics
Friday, March 14, 1-2 p.m.
Olin 209
Join us for a special Pi Day edition of our weekly Math & Computer Science seminar! Whether you're a current or prospective student, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some delicious pie, snacks, and drinks, connect with faculty and fellow students, and engage in great conversations about math and computing. This fun and welcoming gathering is the perfect way to celebrate Pi Day while learning more about the department and its opportunities. We’d love to see you there! 🥧🎓
Program page: Mathematics
Faculty contact: Andrew Sward or Forrest Stonedahl
Multimedia Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC)
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: Multimedia Journalism and Mass Communication
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
Music
Friday, Feb. 21, 1:15-2 p.m.
Bergendoff 104B
Pizza and drinks provided. All prospective and current students are invited to come talk about the major. Join us for a sweet and musical celebration as we welcome our newly declared Music majors and minors! Enjoy cake and snacks while connecting with fellow students and faculty in Performance, Composition, Education, General Music, and Jazz. As part of the tradition, we will hold a ceremonial sing-along of "By the Mighty Mississippi," bringing together our musical community in harmony. Whether you’re a new or current major or minor, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your journey at Augustana and build lasting connections. We can’t wait to see you there! 🎶✨
Program page: Music
Faculty contact: Jacob Bancks
Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy
No open house
Students should contact Nathan Frank before declaring, or to contact him if they are interested in a private meeting with an appropriate advisor. The department's student group, Augustana Physics and Engineering Society (APES) is another great way to learn about Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy. Students should contact Nathan Frank for details about APES meetings.
Program page: Physics, Engineering, and Astronomy
Faculty contact: Nathan Frank
Political Science
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: Political Science
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
Public Health
Monday, Feb. 24, 1-2 p.m.
Lindberg 201
Are you a current or prospective Public Health major or minor? Join us for a special gathering where you can connect with faculty and fellow students, gain insight into courses, internships, and study abroad opportunities, and hear directly from current students about their experiences in the program.
Enjoy free food and drinks while engaging in meaningful conversations about the many opportunities available in Public Health at Augustana. Whether you're just beginning to explore the major or already on your academic path, we’d love to see you there!
Program page: Public Health
Faculty contact: Lena Hann
Religion
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: Religion
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
Sociology and Anthropology
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 12-1:30 p.m.
Evald 104
Are you a current or prospective Sociology & Anthropology student? Join us for an informal gathering where you can meet faculty and fellow students, ask questions about the major, and enjoy free pizza and drinks in a relaxed setting. Whether you're still exploring your academic options or already on your Sociology & Anthropology journey, this is a great opportunity to connect and learn more. We’d love to see you there!
Program page: Sociology and Anthropology
Faculty contact: Adam Kaul
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Old Main, first floor rotunda
Old Main, New You! All students with Old Main-based majors and minors, particularly newly-declared and prospective students, should stop by to say hello to faculty and to ask any questions they may have about next steps in their academic programs. We'd love to see you! Snacks provided.
Program page: Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Faculty contact: Brian Leech
World Languages
Monday, March 10, 1-2 p.m.
Denkmann foyer, or on the quad south of Denkmann (weather permitting)
Join us for a World Languages gathering! Enjoy international snacks and lawn games from around the world while connecting with faculty from various language programs. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about language study options, and engage with a diverse and welcoming community. Whether you're a current student or just exploring your interest in world languages, we’d love to see you there!
Program page: World Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Faculty contact: Megan Havard Rockwell