A Typology of College Transition and Support Programs: Situating a 2-Year Comprehensive College Transition Program Within College Access

Abstract

College transition and support programs have emerged over the past century as important tools that institutions can employ to improve student outcomes. With the variety of approaches used, a common language is needed to discuss why and how programs relate to institutional goals and relate to student outcomes. In this article, we present and discuss the College Transition and Support Program Typology as a way of understanding how programs are similar and different in their approach to addressing barriers and creating opportunities for student success. The typology centers on student needs, focus, duration, and timing as important program dimensions. We then apply the typology to a comprehensive college transition program to illustrate the dimensions. The final section discusses a set of criteria for practitioners to consider when designing a program and making choices about what type of transition initiatives may be most suitable for one’s campus and student needs.