Exploring and Enhancing Support for Advanced Entry Students Transitioning Into Higher Education

Abstract

This chapter outlines a multi-phased project aiming to understand and enhance the transition experiences of advanced entry (AE) students (i.e., college students entering university directly into second or third year with SQA HNC/HND qualifications). The project team includes academic and professional services staff with heavy involvement from student interns, giving a unique insight into transition support for AE students. Data were collected through student focus groups and a staff survey. Focus groups highlighted perceived gaps in support as students transition through(out) university, suggesting students lack knowledge about existing resources and desire more peer support. Resultantly, a new online toolkit has been developed to host existing support and new resources developed for students by students. Staff survey findings highlighted variation in knowledge of and contact with AE students, leading to consideration of how to better support staff to support these students. Findings can be applied to the wider sector such as students transferring from other universities.