The following story originally appeared on the Arts & Sciences website. – Ed.

This week, undergraduate students at William & Mary are coming together to celebrate one of the most important decisions of their academic journey. 

Declaration Week, hosted by Arts & Sciences and Student Transition Engagement Programs, is dedicated to recognizing the important milestone of declaring a major. The week also features workshops and other opportunities to help students navigate the process.  

“We are incredibly proud of our students and recognize that declaring a major is both an exciting milestone and a significant decision,” said Dean of Arts & Sciences Suzanne Raitt. “A liberal arts and sciences education is all about exploring boldly and broadly — discovering new interests, forging unexpected paths and embracing opportunities.

“Declaring a major isn’t about locking into a single future; it’s a reflection of that journey of exploration and self-discovery. During Declaration Week, we celebrate that process and the many possibilities ahead for our students.”  

The event emphasizes support for all students as it caters to those at various stages of the declaration process. Whether students have already decided on their academic path or are still exploring, the week offers a variety of opportunities, including a Wednesday workshop on “Navigating the Major Declaration Process: What You Need to Know” and open houses and tours with partners, W&M’s School of Education and Raymond A. Mason School of Business.  

Two major events on Friday round out the week. The annual Spring Honors Research Symposium, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature more than 100 undergraduate honors seniors presenting their research. Attending this event, hosted each year by the Charles Center, offers a chance for undergraduate students to explore a wide range of academic topics. Also on Friday, the Declaration Celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sadler Terrace. Students can stop by to take photos with major declaration signs, pick up free T-shirts, tote bags and stickers, and enjoy free food.  

Shelly Laurenzo, A&S assistant dean for undergraduate education, highlights the importance of this week: “Declaration Week is meant to recognize and even celebrate one of the biggest milestones in a student’s academic journey — declaring their major. Whether a student is still exploring their options, has recently declared, or is showcasing their research, the Declaration Week planning team wants to acknowledge where our students are, provide support, and celebrate their accomplishments.” 

Two students were involved in planning Declaration Week, ensuring that the event reflected the interests of the members of the campus community in the process of deciding what major to declare. 

“Since last semester, I have advised Arts & Sciences and provided a student voice for ensuring that Declaration Week is student-oriented and accessible to the wider student body. This week marks one of the most important decisions students make during their time at college, so it should be celebrated boldly and proudly,” said Josiah DeSarro-Raynal ’25.

“While your major doesn’t define you, declaring your specific interest within the arts and sciences constitutes a conscious step in establishing your academic and professional trajectory. Your major might signal how you think about the world, or it could represent the culmination of your research interests.” 

Eloise Hartford ‘25, another student planner, understands how crucial the decision process is, and she’s excited to see the campus come together to honor that process.  

“Over the past year, I have loved working with Arts & Sciences to bring a student perspective to major Declaration Week. As a senior, I know how important taking the steps to decide your major is, and I am so excited to have this event to celebrate those who have declared, but also to provide resources to students who are still wondering what to study,” said Hartford.  

Students at any phase of their academic journey are welcome to join in the festivities and events. A full calendar of events is available on the Declaration Week website.