Date of Award

Spring 2015

Degree Type

Capstone - Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

First Advisor

Susan Marine

Abstract

Senior year is a busy time for most college students as they are preparing for their upcoming transition into adulthood. They are constantly answering the question “What are you doing after graduation?” This results in many college seniors pulling away from their community in order to focus strictly on their major field of study and less on their upcoming transition (Henscheid, 2008). Senior Year Experience programs are a way colleges can provide intentional programming to support college students throughout this transition into adulthood. The purpose of this study was to explore existing Senior Year Experience programs at other institutions with the intention of implementing a new program at Merrimack College. Focus groups involving senior students at Merrimack were conducted, to explore the resources these students have utilized on campus, and to document what they are most nervous about in their upcoming transition. The findings indicated that a Senior Year Experience or transitional program is necessary at this institution, and that many students requested support in areas such as life skills, counseling, maintaining relationships, and professional etiquette. The conclusion of this study recommends a senior retreat experience to be implemented through collaboration with various offices on Merrimack’s campus.

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