Exploratory Program

In the Exploratory Program, first-year students join with other students who wish to pursue the full spectrum of their personal and intellectual interests through an integrated curriculum and co-curricular learning community experience. The Exploratory Program exposes students to many areas of study while also emphasizing self-inquiry, writing, critical thinking, and other skills and habits of mind instrumental to academic success. The Exploratory Program is developed around the themes of Passion, Knowledge and Purpose. Students are encouraged to answer such questions as: What motivates me (Passion)? What are my strengths (Knowledge)? How can I take responsibility for my education and my future, and what concrete steps can I take now (Purpose)?

All Exploratory students are enrolled in EXY 100 – Explorations during their first semester. They will also enroll in ENG 105 – Expository Writing, and PHI/RLS 102 – Ethics and Values as part of their first semester course load. Both courses satisfy liberal education requirements. Students are actively encouraged to select a major by the end of their first year. Bachelor’s degrees are not awarded in the Exploratory Program. The Office of Academic Advising, (518) 454-5217, assists students with exploring their options or declaring their majors. A designated Exploratory Program advisor works with all Exploratory Students.