Building Successful Foundations

This new publication offers both the philosophical and the practical perspective for OTR professionals and other practitioners working specifically with students in their first year of college. This piece provides guidance and insight not only to the vast world of college orientation planning, but also a focus on the transition and retention of college students.

Orientation Planning Manual

This indispensable resource explores all aspects of orientation, including philosophy, program development, and staff selection and training. The Orientation Planning Manual is free to NODA members in PDF format on NODA Connect.

Designing Successful Transitions, 3rd Edition

Published jointly with National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition originally in 1993. The third edition was updated and released in 2010. This 16-chapter book has been edited by Jeanine A. Ward-Roof and written by numerous scholars and experts in the field.

Navigating the First College Year

Parents and family members play a critical role in the success of new college students, but those who never attended college or who have been away from it for a while may lack critical information about the purpose, goals, and structure of higher education today. This brief guide offers parents and families an overview of the college experience, especially in the first year, and suggests strategies for helping their students succeed. A glossary of key terms is included. Grounded in the student success research and practice literature, the guide is ideal for use in orientation programs, recruitment events, and family weekends.

ASCEND to Higher Retention Rates

In this book the authors outline why a focus on retention and completion is so important, why previous retention efforts have not always worked, and discuss how we can successfully "ASCEND" to these great expectations. Along the way, innovative ideas, creative initiatives, and best practices are described as well as strategies that campuses have used to achieve results. This book has intentionally been written in a quick-tip, bite-sized format where the reader can skip from section to section to find ideas, initiatives, and solutions that may be helpful in the moment.

A Guide for Families of Commuter Students:
Supporting Your Student’s Success

"Supporting Your Student’s Success" describes the transition to college from the perspective of the commuter student and offers guidance to families on helping students navigate the transition to college and succeed.

Guia para los Padres de los Estudiantes de Primer Año

Empowering Parents of First-Year College Students: A Guide for Success. Only available in Spanish. Published jointly by NODA and the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, this publication offers practical advice on how parents can help their students make a successful transition to college.