The Sophomore Experience

Sophomore Fall Fest 2022

The Sophomore Experience

Providing support and guidance as students transition from Customs and the newness of Haverford to their Sophomore year and the major declaration process.

View the Sophomore Bucket List & Key Dates

Learning Goals

Students will build connections with community members including deans, advisors, faculty members, peers, and other campus mentors.
Students will demonstrate awareness of campus support structures and utilize resources per individual needs.
Students will understand their strengths and interests in order to make an informed decision on a college major.
Students will leave their sophomore year with self-confidence and clarity of purpose.

Signature Programs

Sophomore Fall Fest

Join us every fall for resources and giveaways, sweet treats and raffles, as well as a MAJOR MIXER with students from your major of interest!

Participating departments: Access and Disability Services, Student Health Advocate, Center for Career and Professional Advising, Center for Peace & Global Citizenship, Chesick Scholars Program, Counseling and Psychological Services, Customs, Dean's Office, Health Services, Marilou Allen Office of Service & Community Collaboration, Office of Academic Resources, Quaker Affairs, Study Abroad, The GRASE Center
Centering Sophomores

Winter brings Centering Sophomores: A day to focus on engagement, self-care, reflection, and decisions about the major declaration process.

Join us for Bubble Tea, Wawa Hoagies, Donuts, Snacks, and an entire community coming together to help you rejuvenate and reflect. There will be opportunities to learn about majors and so much more.

2024 Program
Breakfast with the Deans

The pre-registration period naturally results in questions about majors! Join the Deans for breakfast and a casual chat and to answer your burning questions about a potential major and the major declaration process.
Major Declaration Celebration

“I declare… Philosophy!”

The time has come to celebrate your major declaration with cheers and giveaways on Founders green! Join us for treats, and step up the microphone to announce your major (with hoots and hollers and cowbells to follow.) Come to feel the culmination of your hard work and passage to this next phase at Haverford, and stay to celebrate and cheer for your friends!

Learning and Reflection

You@haverford
- You@Haverford houses a repository of research backed strategies, tips and resources that are tailored to your personal interests, values, and identities. It is completely confidential and curated to your needs. One of the most popular topics on the site is “Choosing a Major”.
Sophomore Reflection
- Enhance self awareness and discovery as you navigate challenges, set goals, and build a foundation for academic and personal success.
What Can I Do With This Major?
- Features major profiles with information on common career paths, types of employers that hire in the field, strategies to maximize opportunities, links to professional associations, and job search resources.
Where They’re Headed
- Imagine what is possible through this series detailing the post-Haverford plans of our recent graduates.
Explore Study Abroad
- Immerse yourself in another culture by spending a semester abroad during your junior year on one of Haverford's approved programs. Enrich your academic experience, fulfill requirements, and complement your personal and professional aspirations.
CCPA's Sophomore Checklist
- Learn the steps you can take in your sophomore year to discern future options, gain experience, and prepare for success.
Internship Exploration
- Internships are an essential part of career exploration and skill development. Whether you are just beginning to explore your career options or are facing your last round of interviews, the CCPA will partner with you to design the best search strategy.
Fellowships 101
- Curious about fellowships? Check out these videos, slides, and/or transcripts to discover what fellowships are and why you should consider them, how to find relevant fellowship opportunities, and how to get started with applying.

Major Declaration Process

At Haverford, students declare a major in their fourth semester, by the end of pre-registration in April.

The Sophomore Declaration Hub is a one-stop-stop for all things related to the process of selecting your major! You will find information on majors, minors, and concentrations, guidance for transitioning from Pre-Major advisor to Major Advisor, information for F1 students, and specific instructions for how to declare your major.

Visit the Sophomore Declaration Hub