Sophomore Experience
Welcome, Sophomores!
Sophomore Year at ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï is all about exploration. You’ll reflect on your progress so far, develop academic and career goals, and set priorities for the rest of your time at Bryn Mawr. 
Throughout the year, you’ll complete the components of the Sophomore Plan, which includes declaring your major, creating your Handshake profile and resume, deciding if you’ll apply for study abroad, and finalizing your plan to complete your academic requirements.
Dean Giess, the Sophomore Dean, provides both individual and group advising to students. Sophomores may schedule meetings with their dean to review the college-wide requirements, clarify questions about the Sophomore Plan, or think through their academic priorities. We host a series of conversations in the Fall on these topics.
All Sophomores will receive a monthly newsletter from Dean Giess with timely information about academic advising, the Sophomore Plan, events, and programs.
I'm here to help.
I want to be a resource as you plan your time at ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï and beyond. You are the one to determine when these meetings would be most beneficial to you. Keep in mind:
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Most people find that advising leads to a new understanding of what they’re interested in exploring further and how to reach their goals.
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You do not need to have everything figured out before your meeting. If you’re unsure of your major, your dean can help talk through options and provide suggestions for how to make your choice. 
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If you are considering studying abroad, you will be learning a lot through the Study Abroad programming. Be sure to visit the Study Abroad website for more information!
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I can also help you explore additional opportunities to expand your learning beyond ±¬ÁϹÏ: Praxis independent study, 360s, internships, and summer opportunities. 
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Please note that a meeting with me is not required before you declare your major with your major adviser.
The Sophomore Plan
Sophomore Year at ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï is all about exploration. Students will reflect on their progress, develop academic and career goals, and set priorities for the rest of their time at Bryn Mawr. 
The components of the Sophomore Plan include declaring a major, creating a Handshake profile and submitting a resume for review, considering global opportunities for study abroad and fellowships, and finalizing a plan to complete the college wide requirements.
Our Sophomore Plan team will provide engagement opportunities for Sophomores such as individual advising appointments, Drop In Hours, Design Your Life workshops, and community dialogues called Sophomore Stories.
Each month will focus on a new theme as we work through the Sophomore Plan:
September - EXPLORE
October - INVESTIGATE
November - PLAN
February - AFFIRM
March - PREPARE
April - CONNECT & REFLECT
The Sophomore Plan team will offer workshops, one for each theme, where students will participate in Design Your Life activities that they can apply to their consideration of majors, study abroad programs, and future work opportunities.
Sophomore Plan Drop In Hour is every Wednesday from 3-4pm in the Guild Lower Lounge. During this time, students can meet with professionals from Study Abroad, Fellowships, Career & Civic Engagement, and the Sophomore Class Dean, no appointment necessary! Individual advising appointments outside of these hours are available as well.
Sophomores will create new and strengthen existing peer connections through Sophomore Stories. This program includes both dialogue sessions in the dorms each month, facilitated by the Peer Mentors, and interactive visual displays during Sophomore Drop In Hour. We’ll showcase the displays at our Major Declaration Celebration in April.
Collegewide Requirements
Sophomores want to make sure they are on track to complete their degree. Prior to course registration in the Fall semester, students should .
Exploring Majors (and Minors)
Each department's website presents its academic focus and summarize the requirements for the major, along with supplemental materials that will give you a more in-depth view of the field. You should read these materials for all the departments you are considering.
Major Information Sessions
Information Sessions provide students with the opportunity to learn more about departmental requirements and opportunities, course offerings, major advising, and other important topics.
Deciding & Declaring Your Major
Building on the curricular exploration that began as a first-year student, sophomores will decide on and declare a major field of study.
Resume & Career Planning
Sophomore Year students start to focus on what kind of work they want to do in the world and how their time at ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï can help them learn more and gain valuable experience. 
Exploring Study Abroad
As ±¬ÁÏ¹Ï becomes increasingly familiar, sophomore year marks a natural time to learn about and plan for life beyond ±¬ÁϹÏ. Students do this in a few ways.