The ACES Mission

The Academic Center for Exploratory Students (ACES) is committed to assisting all students through an individualized approach to academic advising. We provide students with accurate and reliable information, help them to identify their educational interests, and equip them with the appropriate tools to choose their major(s) with confidence. We engage students in the process of personal and professional growth, equipping them with transferable skills that will serve them beyond their time in ACES and at the university. We challenge students to make their own decisions and provide support by connecting them with the resources, information and guidance needed to be successful.

What is ACES?

ACES is UConn’s advising program for students who want to explore the University’s opportunities before deciding on a field of study and for students who must complete specific requirements before applying to a major. Each student is assigned an ACES advisor with whom they will work until they officially declare a major. The ACES advisors work in collaboration with a variety of campus resources including faculty, Student Health and Wellness, and the Center for Career Development to ensure that both students and academic programs reach their full potential.

ACES also offers a program dedicated exclusively to MAJOR EXPLORATION (as opposed to academic advising) called The Major Experience. It is a University-wide collaboration which partners resources such as the Academic Center for Exploratory Students, Center for Career Development, and UConn's academic schools/colleges. TME is designed to encourage the intentional exploration of majors in a holistic and interactive manner. Using a personalized approach, students are given the appropriate tools and support to choose a major(s) with confidence and, once declared, make the most of their time in that program. TME helps students explore majors by facilitating peer-to-peer connections through TME Student Mentors, encouraging networking with faculty and staff, offering personal guidance from Exploratory Advisors and Career Coaches (for UConn students only), providing access to an assortment of valuable tools, and partnering with various University departments, programs, and resources.