Successes and Challenges in Higher Education Transitions

This article is based on a 3-year research study of students attending various tribal colleges in science fields who transitioned to larger universities to complete their degrees. The study sought to determine the most common experiences, successes, and challenges of the students. The results demonstrated that the successful transition of a student to a larger university depended on 1) financial security; 2) academic readiness; and 3) personal, cultural, and social support. The specific comments of the students are shared to highlight these issues and to provide examples of where tribal colleges and universities are doing well and where they can improve. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]