Graduate students attending small not-for-profit universities that have a larger undergraduate population often face a lack of support services from when they are accepted to when they begin classes and even throughout their studies. This can be due to a variety of factors, including limited resources and a focus on undergraduate education. In this blog, we will explore graduate students’ challenges at these institutions and why an EPUB guide can be a possible solution to (1) prepare, engage, and retain this population and (2) break down institutional silos by creating a collaborative approach to provide the services need to be successful.

Small not-for-profit universities often have limited resources, which can make it difficult to provide adequate support services for graduate students. These institutions may not have the funding to hire additional staff or provide specialized services for graduate students. As a result, graduate students may not have (or know where to go to) access the same resources as their undergraduate counterparts. Since undergraduate students are often the focus at these institutions, graduate students may feel confused, overwhelmed, or undervalued, impacting their motivation and academic success. The lack of support services for graduate students can significantly impact their academic success because they may struggle to navigate through their program and administrative requirements.

Therefore, it is important for small not-for-profit universities to provide adequate support services for graduate students to ensure a successful transition into the university and their academic success.

One possible solution to address incoming graduate students’ lack of support services is implementing a streamlined onboarding and orientation process using an Electronic Publication (EPUB) Guide. The guide will provide important information regarding their onboarding (administrative requirements – such as creating a student account, course registration, funding documentation, and any additional institutional requirements that need to be completed prior to classes starting.) as well as an orientation into the university and academic program (such as online learning platform (i.e. Canvas), program requirements, academic policies, and campus resources).

The benefits of creating and implementing EPUB would be an efficient way for graduate students to access the guide at any time and from any location, which can save time and reduce the need for in-person meetings. It also creates consistency within the institution because all the students will receive the same information and resources, reducing confusion and ensuring that all students have access to the same support services. The guide will also be made accessible to all graduates, including those with disabilities or learning differences, providing equal access to the information and resources they need to succeed. The flexibility of updating and revising an EPUB would allow the institutional departments to continue their collaboration and stay “on the same page.” Any changes in policies, procedures, and resources can be made in one location so students receive accurate, relevant, and useful information over time.
In conclusion, graduate students need to be seen and serviced as if they were starting school for the first time. The perception of graduate students being independent and knowledgeable about the onboarding and orientation process is simply not true. It is up to the institution to assist and acclimate graduate students to ensure their academic success.

Debra Rodrigues