Preparing for the

Post-College Transition:
Supporting Homeless,
Emancipated, Orphaned,
and Other Independent
Students
 Career Services/HESA
Graduate Student

HESA Graduate Program

Director & Asst. Professor

HESA Graduate Student

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As a result of this session, participants will:

1. Identify current 2. Engage in a 3. Develop

research discussion with tangible
three campus
regarding the strategies on
representatives
post-college (former how to prepare
transition and independent and support
research on the student, independent
experiences of practitioner, and students for life
independent faculty) on how to after college.
best support this
college students. student population
regarding the
post-college
transition.

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Research:
The Post-University Transition

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?

“In high school people tell you how to transition into
college… you see a list of things that you need and you can
call your RA [resident advisor] to ask questions. But there’s
no RA after you graduate! …it’s just you, and you better get
your crap figured out, or you’re going to get left behind. So, I
don’t know what the solution is, but there’s got to be
something better than – okay, here’s your degree… have a
good life …give us money when you make some.”
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Research:
The Post-University Transition
▸ The transition from college student to college graduate can
be a difficult time (Allen & Taylor, 2006; Goetsch, Jordan, Jung, Lampman, Nobbs,
& Ruiz, 2010; Lane, Leibert, & Goka-Dubose, 2017; Guichard, Perry, 2012; Pouyaud, de Calan,
& Dumara, 2012).

▸ College graduates are expected to be psychologically,

physically, financially, emotionally, and socially capable of
navigating life’s challenges and expectations of society. (Fox,
2011; Perry, 2012)

▸ It can be wrought with stress, anxiety, and depression

▹ job search process
▹ financial concerns
▹ friendships/relationships
▹ life skills
▹ planning for future endeavors (Goetsch et al, 2010; Lane et al, 2017;
Guichard et al, 2012; Allen & Taylor, 2006; Fox, 2011; Perry, 2012).
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Research:
Independent College Students 

▸ Former foster care alumni

▹ Only 3 to 11% matriculate towards a degree; only 2% earn a
bachelor’s degree specifically
▸ Homeless/housing insecure students
▹ 32,000 students in 2015-16
▹ One study shows 50% of students surveyed identified as
housing insecure; 13% as homeless
▸ Orphaned students
▸ Emancipated students

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Research:
Challenges during Post-University Transition
for Independent Students

▸ Stable and affordable housing

▸ Mental health challenges
▸ Lower household income rates
▹ More than twice as likely to live at or below poverty
level after graduation
▸ Higher un/ underemployment rates

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Theoretical Framework:
Schlossberg’s Transition Theory

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Theoretical Framework:
Erikson’s Psychosocial Development

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Theoretical Framework:
Adaptation of Erikson’s Model for Independent Students

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 Sharing Experiences and
Support Strategies from
3 Perspectives:

That of a That of a That of an

faculty career center independent
member practitioner student
APRIL CARRIE SOPHIE

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Research Findings Say...

Potential institutional practices can be organized into 3 main

categories-
career preparation, emotional support, & practical life skills
training.
● Example Institutional Strategies include:
○ Final-year/post-graduation seminar
○ Support groups for students post-graduation
○ Holistic career services offered to recent alumni
○ Enhanced internships and mentorship programs with
professionals in their career field
○ Continued university staff mentorship/counseling
post-graduation
○ Community service/volunteer efforts for recent graduates and
young professionals

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But what about Strategies
Specifically for Independent Students?

Let’s share and strategize on current and/or best

practices for supporting independent college
graduates in the post-university transition. 

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 “There is need to guide students in
managing their own expectations
(about transition and life after university)
by helping them understand their
shifting identities and the uncertainty
that often accompanies the
post-university transition.”

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 Questions?
Please feel free to stay in touch with us!

Carrie: cphachadurian@wcu.edu
April: alperry@wcu.edu
Sophie: sophiakcalhoun@gmail.com

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