The sophomore year represents a critical transition for students. As
institutions shift their attention from these students to the incoming
class, sophomores can feel unsupported as they face increased academic
challenges and explore major and career options. Sophomore dropout and
disengagement has led administrators, faculty, and researchers to
increase their attention to these students' unique needs.
The 2019 National Survey of Sophomore-Year Initiatives sought to explore
institutional responses to and support for sophomore students. This new
report reviews these findings, including institutional practices related
to academic advising for sophomores. Additionally, the report offers
implications for research and practice by highlighting the ways in which
institutional efforts and initiatives can be better designed for
responsiveness based on differences in campus context, student
backgrounds, and student needs.