Exploratory & Pre-Professional Advising Center advisors have received specialized training designed to develop their helping skills, knowledge of online resources, occupational information, and trends. Additionally, EPAC Advisors gain overarching information on the undergraduate curriculum in order to recommend courses that are acceptable for various majors in areas of interest. Continuous training includes networking with college advisors to remain abreast of all UNM majors and staff development each semester which focuses on skills needed to work with Exploratory/Undecided populations.

EPAC advisors normalize the decision to be Exploratory/Undecided and partner with students in their exploration of interests and hopes for the future. Advising sessions are not answer driven, but rather question driven. Advisors offer resources and tools for students to research interests. UNM stresses students gain skills sought by employers rather than solely focus the discussions on majors. There is intentional thoughtfulness in searching and researching likes and dislikes, thus EPAC advisors empower students on a path to select a major.

University College believes that Exploratory/Undecided students should have at least three semesters of exploration allowing time to find areas of strong interest. The time exploring is productive so a student graduates at, or without greatly exceeding, 120 credit hours with coursework applying toward their eventual major. UNM believes that rushing or pressuring students to decide on a major before they are ready can result in frustration and poor course selection.