By Robert Scott

A passage is both a way of exit and of entrance. It denotes the passing from one place, or stage, or condition, to another. It is an apt metaphor for describing the path students take to college and the navigational tools they need to achieve success.

After all, a college education is to be a period of transformation in terms of knowledge, skills, abilities, and values, not simply a series of transactions.

Yet over one million students drop out of college each year. Less than one-half graduate in four years. Only somewhat more than 60% graduate in six years. How can we improve the student success rate? Perhaps we need to focus on navigational aids.

Fall is a good time for parents, school counselors, volunteers, and others to help students navigate the college search process and find the best fit. This includes finding the navigational aids that can lead to success.

For all students, the passage from high school, or work, to college can be formidable. The data cited above testify to this. For the one-third of students who are the first in their families to enroll in college, the passage can be even more challenging.

While first-generation students have some advantages, such as greater work experience, strong motivation, and more responsibility out of the home, they also have distinct challenges. Most attend part-time and work. Nearly one-third have dependents while in college.

A college or university campus is a community with rules and regulations as well as opportunities and challenges. Students need help in navigating the varied passages from entrance to success. First-generation students are less likely to have parental or sibling guidance on admissions, financial aid, course selection, and degree requirements. Having parents who attended college increases a student’s likelihood of graduating from 20% to 60%.

Students need to learn how to navigate institutional systems such as degree requirements, course selection, changing an advisor, etc. All colleges have their local lore and language: What is an RA? What is SGA? What is Gen Ed? When it comes to college, most first-generation students don’t know what they don’t know.

An important subset of students consists of those who are Black, Hispanic, and other People of Color. They often do not find role models among the faculty and staff and may be identified as participants in “Opportunity” programs. They face special challenges and will seek students in similar circumstances for mutual assistance. This is natural.

Among the skills all students need is time management. This is particularly important skill for first-generation students as most work at least part-time in addition to their studies. Time management is critical in the first semester of college.

This is when a student’s reputation can be set and when confidence can be strengthened or diminished. It also is before networks of assistance are established.

To improve time management, students need to know about academic requirements and both academic and non-academic opportunities available, then assess the time commitments they require.  Guidance about which should be explored in the first year and which should be saved for a later year is essential.

Colleges abandoned in loco parentis, i.e., acting as parents, long ago, and for good reason. They wanted to treat students as adults and wanted students to act as adults.

In recent years, campuses have increased health services in response to the physical and emotional needs that students bring. Students need to be advised about the availability of these services.

Navigating campus passages can be challenging. Academic degree regulations, distribution requirements, study abroad, and internship opportunities must be learned. As obvious as it may seem, students need to master how to learn, especially with no familial figure to ask, “What did you learn today?”

If the college offers a pre-entry orientation, either on-campus or off, students should register for it, if possible. Many cannot because of work.  However, these programs provide occasions to meet fellow students, professors, and staff in a relaxed setting. “Hall” meetings for those living on campus do the same.

For those who commute from off-campus, it is helpful to find a place in the cafeteria to hang out with others.

In addition to academics, there is the student social scene. Is joining a fraternity or sorority a good idea? What about trying out for a sports team? In both cases, students become known by and get to know adults who can be good role models and helpful allies as well as other students.

Campus jobs can provide introductions to adults who value education and who will support student success. While they take time, they can provide beneficial relationships as well as money.

Some jobs also reinforce learning goals and provide extra time for reading or lab research, such as those at the library’s reserve reading desk or in Biology. These should be given preference over those without such benefits.

Many campuses provide chaplain services as well as counseling. Chaplains can play an important role in helping students navigate requirements and opportunities. Many offer inter-faith services., which can be good ways to meet other students in small groups.

The first-year seminar provides a venue for new students, especially first-generation students, to gain a good footing with professors, librarians, student services staff, and fellow students.

The most logical sources of support for new students are the faculty members with whom they are studying. Most faculty became teachers because they love learning and were nurtured when they were students. Most will respond positively to students who want to learn about them as people.

While many of these ideas relate specifically to students of traditional college age (18-22), the advice applies to all.

Take initiative and ask for help. It is when students remain silent, especially when facing difficult choices, that they can fall behind and let a slow start become a stalled start. Even skilled navigators need assistance to guide their passage to the desired destination.

Robert A. Scott, president emeritus, Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey; Author, How University Boards Work, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2018, Eric Hoffer Book Awardee, 2019