Student Transitions is a robust area of programs and services designed to facilitate the retention and graduation of students through specific interventions. The collaboration of existing programs and services with the exciting addition of new and innovative student experiences will bring about a cultural change on the UA campus that will promote a more interdependent, academic, ethical, safe, and connected community.

The programs and services that combine to create the Student Transitions area touch all UA students, no matter their academic class, but have an emphasis on new students. This includes new freshmen, transfers, returning students, etc. Links to each of this area’s programs and services can be found below. More information will soon be available on our Programs page.

Commencement

The official University wide graduation ceremony typically offered twice a year, end of spring and fall semesters.

Maximum Educational Results in Two Semesters (MERITS)

MERITS is designed to facilitate students’ understanding of the purposes and benefits of a higher education, recognize their abilities to set and achieve personal and academic goals, and help students develop a working knowledge of the resources available to them on campus. MERITS also offers specific components geared towards students who wish to identify as member of a cultural group.

360 Scholars (for African American Students)

EDGE (for Asian & Pacific Islander Students)

First Year Scholars Program (for Native American Students)

National Student Exchange

A national program that allows UA students to study at participating institutions in the United States and Canada while still earning college credit. The UA also welcomes students from other institutions to study at the UA through this program.

New Start Summer Program

A six-week summer bridge program designed to help first-year freshman succeed in the transition from high school to university life.

New Student Convocation

The official University wide welcome induction ceremony offered each fall semester to the incoming freshman class.

New Student Orientation

The process designed to assist a new student’s transition to the various aspects of UA life from initial academic advising and registration to campus involvement and the pride of being an Arizona Wildcat.

Student Cohort Support

Pilot program designed to bring a personal, portable and peer-to-peer experience that creates a sense of community among students, staff and faculty, facilitates learning, and models inclusive design. The Student Cohort program is currently offered to students enrolled in Centennial Hall courses.

Student Support Services/TRiO (SSS)

Federally funded TRiO Program designed to enable students who are first generation or low-income or have a disability earn their baccalaureate degrees by offering progressive services throughout their college career.

Transfer Student Services

Transfer Student Services are geared towards the specific needs of students entering the UA after previously attending another college or university.