Supporting Critical Transitions
A comprehensive, institutional approach designed to support students through their critical transition into higher education, from pre-enrollment through completion of their first year.
Poor Retention
24% of first-year students nationally don’t return for their second year.
InStitutional Performance Gaps
Hispanic, Black, and Native American students retained at significantly lower rates than national average
Transition Challenges
Students struggle to navigate institutional systems and develop college success skills.
Proof Points
Structured support during the transition to college significantly improves outcomes through evidence-based practices that foster academic and social integration.
- Students in first-year seminars earn higher average first-semester GPA
- Higher first-year to sophomore-year retention rates
- Positive effects on first-year grades and one-year retention rates
- Programs improve GPAs and likelihood of graduating in five years
Georgia State University’s comprehensive first-year approach includes summer orientation, learning communities, and proactive “success coaching” using predictive analytics. First-year retention increased significantly with achievement gaps between demographic groups virtually eliminated through comprehensive support systems.
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA
Benefits
Effective first-year experiences provide students with essential foundations for academic success while helping institutions improve retention rates and create collaborative campus cultures that benefit all students.
Academic Performance
Students demonstrate higher academic outcomes and better study habits
Stronger Persistence
Significantly higher retention rates and degree completion likelihood
Enhanced Belonging
mproved sense of connection and social support on campus
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