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<p>In my experience that’s called orientation and isn’t optional and isn’t just at research universities but I don’t how all schools do it. </p>
<p>I can see some things being prescribed and assigned in some of the more narrow majors like engineering or business at schools that primarily focus on these areas.</p>
<p>But in general liberal arts schools which would include most research Us, I don’t think this is the case. What do the undecideds do? I remember the punch cards too, fortunately things have improved.</p>