JACOB KONST/Arizona Daily Wildcat Amelia Hileman, a veterinary science sophomore, and Tara Bale, a pre-business sophomore, stop for refreshments at the UA major fair. At the fair, which was held yesterday, representatives from more than 80 departments offered advice to students considering different fields

More than 750 students filled the grand ballroom in the Student Union Memorial Center yesterday looking for answers to a major question.

Roughly 80 departments set up tables adorned with vibrant posters and balloons at the Meet Your Major Fair, an event to help students choose their areas of study.

"We are here each year as a department," said James Knight, agricultural education department head. "The fair is a way to get undergrads involved in the smaller departments."

The Meet Your Major Fair has been providing students with access to advisers and information about major requirements since 1990, said Diana Wilson, major exploration coordinator for University School.

"We wanted the event to be a comfortable and inviting environment for students to come and learn about the different departments of campus," Wilson said.

Students walked from table to table, many carrying drinks and cookies provided by the fair.

If a specific department table was of interest to the student, at least two faculty members were available for consultation.

"Students are craving information," Wilson said. "The fair is a great way for students to talk to department heads without making appointments and walking around campus."

Alex Spilberg, an undeclared sophomore, came to the fair searching for a major.

"It has been really helpful," Spilberg said. "I am now thinking about majoring in philosophy or English."

Ben Shimazu, a sophomore majoring in English, said even though he has chosen a major he wanted to come to the fair to keep his options open and see what the departments had to offer.

"The department representatives were really helpful," Shimazu said. "They were good at answering questions, they can think on the fly real well."

Shimazu said the information he received from the fair could help him when choosing a minor.

Debra Castelan, an academic adviser for the School of Art, said the fair provides information to students who may not be aware of existing departments.

"Unless the department is right in front of the students, they might not know the services are available," Castelan said. "The fair will help round out their educational process."

Wilson said almost all departments were represented at the major fair.

"Even if the department has its fill of students, they are always willing to send at least two people to set up a table and be available for the students." Wilson said.

Stephanie Adamson, assistant director of recruitment and outreach at the Honors College, said she looks forward to the major fair every year.

"I will see at least 100 students today," Adamson said. "I want to get the word out that the Honors College is open to any major."

Wilson said each year the fair is a success. In past years, the major fair has drawn in anywhere from 800 to 1,000 students.

"I wish we could do the fair each month," Wilson said. "Of course that would be too expensive."

Amelia Hileman, a veterinarian science sophomore, was, like many students, brought to the fair with an undeclared friend.

"I won't be switching my major," Hileman said. "But the refreshments are nice."