Spotlight: Major Connection Program

Grace Vaccaro, Staff Writer

Are you a student looking to become more connected within your major? Looking for peer support with goal setting and learning about the many resources on campus? Wanting to set and work toward personal or academic goals? Then consider the Major Connection Program. 

The Major Connection Program pairs students with a Major Connection Coach, a peer mentor who’s in the same major. This mentor can provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout the semester. Once you have your mentor, you will meet with them throughout the semester to set goals, talk through challenges, explore experiential learning opportunities, and make the most of academic tools. With the coaches being SUNY Oneonta students, they can understand and relate to any problems and stresses of being a student. Coaches are there to offer guidance, share their experiences, and help you feel more confident navigating your early college years.

While this program is primarily designed for sophomores, students in other class years are welcome to participate.

As a Major Connection Coach myself, I can’t wait to make a difference in students’ lives. Though I am a sophomore, I remember how hard it was to adjust to college as a freshman. I want to make sure that students have the support they need. Sometimes it is hard to reach out to adults in higher positions, so beginning by reaching out to your peers can help you feel more comfortable.

I spoke to another Major Connection Coach, Paige Davis. When she originally heard about the program, she was unsure if the role fit her. She didn’t think she was confident enough or that she would be successful. Her friend ended up convincing her to join, reminding her that she doesn’t have to be perfect when trying something new. Through this program, Paige hopes to get out of her shell more and help someone who may feel the same way as she did. She wants to remind students that when trying something new, “you may stumble, but at least you are stumbling forward.”

Morgan Potter, also a Major Connection Coach, joined the program to help underclassmen. As a senior, she has much experience and knowledge about being a student. She understands that being an underclassman can be stressful. She wants to ensure that her mentees will succeed for the rest of their time in school. 

Outside of the Major Connection Program, Year 2: All About You has many fun events planned throughout the year catered towards sophomores. The next one will be Dipping Into Resumes, Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:30, in the Leatherstocking Room (Hunt Union 2nd Floor). Learn about resumes while enjoying some dip!

The Major Connection Program is such a great way to expand your knowledge of campus, build yourself as a student and build more connections with peers and programs. It is truly such a great resource to have here at Oneonta. 

If you are interested in joining the program or know someone who is interested, reach out to Sarah Wells ([email protected]) from the Office of Student Experience. All students are welcome and we are so excited to meet you soon!