Nancy Schlossberg defines a transition as “any event, or non-event, [which] results in changed relationships, routines, assumptions, and roles” (Goodman, Schlossberg, & Anderson, 2006, p. 33). A transition can only exist if the person experiencing it considers it to be a transition. Changes can also happen in someone’s life, but may not be considered a transition if the individual does not place much meaning or significance to the change.
Anticipated transitions are predictable.
Unanticipated transition are not predictable and are not scheduled.
Non-events are expected, but do not happen. These can be categorized as:
- personal (related to individual aspirations),
- ripple (felt due to a non-event in someone else’s life),
- resultant (caused by an event), or
- delayed (anticipating an event that may still happen)
There are four sets of factors that influence how an individual copes with transition:
This spring, all of higher education went through an unanticipated transition in mid-March as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis. Though it may have been predictable, the suddenness with which higher education changed as a result of travel restrictions, social distancing guidelines, and health recommendations would qualify this transition as unanticipated.
Institutions reacted in different ways at the beginning of this crisis due to each institution’s context. At MIIS, the Office of Student Services ensured that students had the support and strategies to cope with this transition with several additions or modifications to current programming:
- Creation of an online resource guide with links to available services and resources, as well as mental and physical health resources, remote work tips, and community building/entertainment
- Stress Management Workshops
- Coordination with Middlebury College Counseling to offer substance use counseling, spiritual and religious support, meditation and yoga sessions, and conversation sessions for students close to first responders and/or essential workers
