Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2003

Thesis Director

Richard L. Roberts

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify transitional needs of first year graduate students who have housing assistantships. Previous research in this area identified academic adjustment, student support services, assistantship experiences, and graduate student socialization as important variables to examine. A qualitative study was conducted using a focus group interview of four participants to examine these variables. Using the constant comparative method of data analysis, the four transitional areas listed above were confirmed as the primary challenges to a successful transition from undergraduate to graduate school for first year graduate students with housing assistantships. The results also suggest that housing GA's have needs unique to their setting. These results are followed by a general discussion and recommendation to prescribe steps to assist graduate students entering a housing graduate assistantship and plan meaningful orientation programs that enable students not only to survive the rigors of graduate school, but also thrive inside and outside their academic world.

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