Discover CLA

Last month, students in the CLA Class of 2013 had a blast getting to know one another and what it means to be a Gopher during Welcome Week (Sept. 2-7). My first week on campus as a freshman was truly unforgettable. Between meeting new roommates, navigating the dining services, and attempting to memorize my oh-so-important student ID number, I was thrilled to start my four years at the U of M!

Whether you're a Minnesota native or you're considering the U of M from across the world, when you get to campus it becomes your home away from home. As you explore liberal arts at the U of M this year, I would like to introduce you to what may become your future campus home: the College of Liberal Arts.

One of seven freshman-admitting colleges at the University of Minnesota, CLA is a smaller community of students, faculty, and advisers bringing together diverse disciplines and perspectives.

In CLA you'll study the sciences, mathematics, fine arts, social sciences, languages and culture-- the basis of a liberal education. You'll gain skills in problem solving, critical thinking, communication, language and understanding other points of view.

When you choose CLA, you are choosing a college that supports your passion for discovery. From freshman seminars to senior research projects, you'll find engaging and challenging courses taught by faculty who are some of the world's brightest scholars and most talented teachers.

• Majors and courses: Nearly 70 majors and more than 5,000 courses in the arts, humanities, natural and physical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences.
• Engaging classes: Dynamic lectures and small classes—taught by dedicated and award-winning faculty—will energize you and challenge the way you see and think about yourself and the world.
• Interest-based advising communities: Interest-focused advising communities and individual career counseling will connect you with others and help you discover your own academic goals and career paths.

In the College of Liberal Arts you'll have access to the people and resources of one of the nation's top public research universities. I encourage you to visit the Discover CLA Web site created just for you—a future undergraduate student to CLA. Discover CLA through the list of majors and career resources, YouTube videos from current students and faculty members, and learn about incredible study abroad possibilities!