Experience Maps

The Student & Family Transitions office at UNK is committed to providing intentional, data-informed support for first-year students, transfer students, and their families. Our experience maps serve as foundational tools that guide every step of our engagement strategy — from communications and events to surveys and outreach campaigns.

Each map outlines a student or family’s transition journey in 13 stages, beginning before arrival on campus and continuing through the start of the second year. These maps were developed using national research, student development theory, and institutional data to ensure that our strategies are timely, inclusive, and impactful.

What the Maps Include

Each experience map is built on a three-layer model:

  1. Layer 1: Student or Family Experience – Emotions, potential struggles, and milestones at each phase of the transition
  2. Layer 2: SFT Programs – Events, campaigns, and communications delivered at key points in the journey
  3. Layer 3: SFT Messaging – The themes and tone we use to support, guide, and empower each audience

Beginning mid-fall of the first semester, the student experience maps also identify differentiated strategies based on a student’s level of connection to the UNK community — ensuring we provide the right support at the right time.

Experience Maps Available

First-Year Student Map

A comprehensive roadmap from admission through the end of the first year, with targeted support for both connected and disconnected students.

Transfer Student Map

Tailored to meet the unique needs of transfer students, this map focuses on belonging, resource navigation, and leveraging prior college experience.

Parent & Family Map

This map equips families to support their student’s transition while fostering healthy independence, guiding them through both emotional and logistical phases.

Research & Theory

Our maps are grounded in well-established student development theories and research, including:

  • Schlossberg’s Transition Theory
  • Tinto’s Model of Student Retention
  • Astin’s Theory of Student Involvement
  • Chickering’s Seven Vectors of Student Development
  • Baxter Magolda’s Theory of Self-Authorship (Transfer & Family Maps)
  • Kuh’s High-Impact Practices
  • Laanan’s Transfer Student Capital (Transfer Map)
  • Parental Involvement in Student Success (Family Map)

This theoretical foundation ensures that our work is intentional, developmentally appropriate, and effective in supporting student success and retention.

Want to See More?

The full maps are available upon request! Email us at sft@unk.edu to receive a digital copy and learn how these tools are shaping our programs, interventions, and communications.