Highlander Family Network

First Year

First-year, first-time college students undergo many transitions, one of which includes the transition from the high school to college lifestyle. For example, high school teachers are often available daily to assist students when needed, but in college, professors are available during office hours or by appointment, and it is up to the student to initiate a meeting according to the professor’s availability. A 2019 study also found that many incoming first years aren’t confident in their career path and as many as 60% are overwhelmed by selecting a major (Ellucian, 2019). Overall, students are looking for more support in many ways. Developing a peer group can also feel crucial to incoming students, especially on a large campus like UC Riverside. Our campus libraries have a variety of spaces to house small or larger study sessions and we have amazing support networks at the Academic Resource Center and through Student Life’s First Year Mentorship Program.

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Second Year

Regularly referred to as the “sophomore slump” or the “forgotten year,” sophomore students are likely to disengage with their university (Freedman, 1956). Second-year students may face challenges associated with self-authorship. Self-authorship allows individuals to manage interpersonal relationships and expectations through self-selected values, beliefs, interests, and understandings of the self in the world (Kegan, 1994). The second year of college can be a time where students learn more about themselves, test assumptions about the world, gain energy, and acquire the ability to make decisions for themselves (Schaller, 2018). Fifty-seven percent of second-year students rely on external sources in their decision-making process, and 43% struggle to find their own voice (Magolda, 2009). UC Riverside provides students with holistic experiences to reflect on their personal, academic, and professional values.

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Third Year

During the third year, most students transition from their lower division, or generalized requirements, to their upper division, or major requirements. More than half of students change their major at least once, although Millennials tended to change their mind about 14% more than their Gen Z counterparts. (Ellucian, 2019). Reminding students that there are supports in place for them to feel successful is a powerful way to keep them grounded and on track for commencement. UC Riverside has a thriving alumni network, career center, and academic resource center that can help them prepare for post-college life. In terms of factors influencing their career decisions, [young adults] (80%) said they would prefer "advice from professional who work in a chosen field," compared to "advice from parents or other family members" (75%), "advice from academic counselors or advisors" (67%), "information from TV, social media or online" (41%), or "advice from friends" (38%) (Junior Achievement USA, The Hartford, 2018).

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Fourth Year

Supporting your fourth-year student can look very different depending on their academic path. If their plan is to graduate and enter the workforce, there can be a lot of pressure to immediately line up a job. The fact is that approximately 53% of college graduates are unemployed or working in a job that doesn't require a bachelor's degree. It takes the average college graduate three to six months to secure employment after graduation (University of Washington, 2021). And while this process can be daunting, crossing the finish line is a rewarding experience for everyone. 79% of graduates in a 2021 study said that their college education was extremely or very useful to them in terms of personal and intellectual growth, and 70% said it opened doors to job opportunities. Furthermore, 65% of graduates said that their education helped them to develop specific skills and knowledge that could be used in the workplace (Pew Research, 2021).

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