Supporting the New Student Experience through Intentional Transition Collaborations Brett Bruner, M.S. Director of Transition & Student Conduct Fort Hays State University

Overview Learning Outcomes The Interest in Transition The State of Transition on Your Campus Key Terminology Sharing Orientation Transition Retention Focus on the “T” Movement within OTR Reflection & Application to Your Campus

Learning Outcomes As a result of attending this session, participants will: Define “transition” using the 2012 definitions provided by NODA: The Association for Orientation, Transition & Retention in Higher Education. Articulate the benefits of intentional transitional programs on their campuses. Identify 1 new campus partner or 1 existing campus partner with whom to better collaborate to design high-impact transitional experiences.

The Interest in Transition Transition & Student Conduct New Student Orientation Programs Transition Initiatives Transfer Engagement Parent & Family Programs Second Year Experience Living Learning Communities

The Interest in Transition Transition & Student Conduct New Student Orientation Programs Transition Initiatives Transfer Engagement Parent & Family Programs Second Year Experience Living Learning Communities

The Interest in Transition

The Interest in Transition

The State of Transition on Your campus Why are you here?

Key Terminology Orientation: Transition: Retention:

Key Terminology Orientation: deliberate programmatic & service efforts designed to facilitate the transition of new students to the institution; prepare students for the institution’s educational opportunities & student responsibilities; initiate the integration of new students into the intellectual, cultural & social climate of the institution; & support the parents, partners, guardians, & children of the new student. Source: NODA Task Force to Explore the Definition of Orientation, Transition & Retention (2012)

Key Terminology Retention: student progression through higher education, focusing primarily on student persistence (i.e. term to term) through the beginning of the 2nd year at the same institution, with the goal being graduation from that institution and/or achievement of personal educational objectives. Retention is 1 outcome/measure/byproduct of successful student transition, which can be facilitated by effective orientation programs & other academic & social integration processes. Source: NODA Task Force to Explore the Definition of Orientation, Transition & Retention (2012)

Key Terminology Transition: the process students go through (typically lasting up to 1 year) when entering a particular institution of higher education and/or entering the same institution for a new purpose. This may include, but is not limited to, entering a college as a first-year student, transferring to a college from a different institution, and/or entering a college or university for a subsequent degree. Successful transition results in student integration into the institution & ultimately retention and/or achievement of personal educational objectives. Source: NODA Task Force to Explore the Definition of Orientation, Transition & Retention (2012)

Key Terminology Orientation: Transition: Retention:

What is your role in transition on your campus? Is it perceived or actual?

Why the Focus on the T Movement in OTR? Begins at the moment a student applies to an institution Allows for a student to integrate and determine how they fit with an institution’s values How are you helping a student find a connection to campus to start this successful transition? Integral component of the student experience

Why the Focus on the T Movement in OTR? Collaboration is key! Often operate from the lens of our functional area. How are you engaging with other units on campus to develop a high-impact transitional experience? OTR – have the opportunity to connect the dots in the student experience. Transition = working collectively with all institutional units

Why the Focus on the T Movement in OTR? Content is key! Time, Place & Manner Orientation itself it like trying to drink from the firehouse. We need to expand Orientation to include Transition & spread out the message in our content. What is mission critical to be shared when throughout the orientation experience? Orientation is when people go to & say “Hey, we need students to know X, Y, and Z.” How we can reframe this as a campus & be more strategic in our Transition experiences? It takes more than just sharing it at Orientation to make Transition successful

Why the Focus on the T Movement in OTR? Cultivate individual relationships throughout the year When you have these relationships = Time, Place & Manner Ultimate goal is a student thriving Students don’t care where the message is delivered from – they care about a great experience! Ultimate goal is a student thriving – we don’t know (or at least I don’t) what other units a student is communicating with We are at our best when a student doesn’t notice we are transitioning them from one office to the next – make it a smooth & seamless transition

Best Practice in the T Movement University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Office of Orientation & First Year Programs First-year Assessment Strategies “Tell Us About Yourself” Pre-Orientation Survey Share the data with campus partners Ask campus partners what data they would use in high-impact transition experiences

Promising Practice in the T Movement Fort Hays State University Office of Transition & Student Conduct First 40 Days at Fort Hays ACCESS to Success – Student Success Plan Share the data with campus partners Ask campus partners what data they would use in high-impact transition experiences

Reflection & Application to Your Campus What seat do you have at the Transition table at your institution? What are the key Transition milestones for your first-year student to succeed? How can you advocate for Time, Place & Manner in the Transition process?

Reflection & Application to Your Campus What campus partner(s) are you collaborating with that could be enhanced in assist in Transition? What campus partner(s) should be collaborating with that could assist in Transition? What key student populations might need additional Transitional support on your campus?

Director of Transition & Student Conduct Fort Hays State University Brett L. Bruner, M.S. Director of Transition & Student Conduct Fort Hays State University blbruner@fhsu.edu