What happens after I declare?

Declaring is an electronic paperwork transmission process which informs the University that you are eligible to enter a particular major. The process typically originates in Academic Advising. Each department has slightly different expectations for declared students. Click on the name of each department to learn what to do after you officially declare your major.

• College of Arts & Sciences
• Newly declared Arts & Sciences majors should contact CAS ADVISING located in Peck Hall 1315, phone 618.650.5525.

• Business
• Newly declared Pre-Business students should contact Business Student Services, located in Founder's Hall 3301.

• Early Childhood Education
• When you declare a major in Early Childhood Education, the department sends you a welcome letter, an agreement form, and  other information about requirements and procedures. Students pursuing certification in Early Childhood Education have typically established a relationship with the Certification and Advisement office prior to declaring, and will seek advisement exclusively with this office after declaring. Students can learn more about Early Childhood Education by visiting the website

• Elementary Education
• When you declare a major in Elementary Education, the department sends you a welcome letter, an agreement form, and  other information about requirements and procedures. Students pursuing certification in Early Childhood Education have typically established a relationship with the Certification and Advisement office prior to declaring, and will seek advisement exclusively with this office after declaring. Students can learn more about Elementary Education by visiting the website

• Engineering
• Within a week to ten days after you declare a major in Engineering you will receive a letter from the Associate Dean. The letter will let you know who will serve as your professional academic advisor in the School of Engineering. You will be provided with the advisor's contact information, and you are expected to initiate contact with your new adviser.

• Kinesiology and Health Education
• Newly declared Community Health Education, Exercise Science and PETE students are advised by Monica Kempland You are expected to initiate contact with her.

• Nursing
• When you declare Pre-Clinical Nursing, the School of Nursing sends a letter to your SIUE webmail and adds your name to their list-serve. The School of Nursing uses this list-serve to communicate with all pre-clinical nursing students, so you should monitor your SIUE webmail for announcements and information. It is your responsibility to contact the School of Nursing Advisement. For an appointment, you may call the front desk at 618-650-3956. They are located in Alumni Hall 2117.

• Psychology
• When you declare a major in Psychology, the department sends you a letter introducing Kelly Atkins, who will serve as your advisor. You are encouraged to make an appointment with Kelly as soon as possible so that she can review your file with you.

• Special Education
• Students are admitted to the Special Education major by application only. If you apply and are admitted to the program, you will receive a letter from the chair. You should bring this letter to Academic Advising to officially declare your major. Elaine Farrar advises all Special Education majors, so you will be expected to make contact with her.

• Speech Pathology
• Students are admitted to the Speech Pathology major by application only. If you apply and are admitted to the program, you will receive a letter from the chair. You should bring this letter to Academic Advising to officially declare your major. Pamela Fetters advises all Speech Pathology majors, so you will be expected to make contact with her.