2026/05/21 by Sarah Walker, Lillian Smyth, Michael J. Platow +2 · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Decision Sciences · Medicine · #Evaluation of Teaching Practices #Evaluation and Performance Assessment #Medical Education and Admissions
paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/13603108.2026.2673441
Higher Education orientation programmes play an important role supporting the successful transition and retention of students. Orientation programmes are commonplace but there is a limited understanding of their effectiveness, specifically standard, whole-of-university programmes. We need a clear understanding of the impact of these programmes before we can implement and evaluate additional orientation programmes such as first-year seminars. This article presents a systematic review of the literature on quantitative studies of higher education orientation programmes. Utilising findings from 22 studies of standalone and whole-of-university programmes, we assessed evidence of the programme’s purpose, included elements, and measured outcomes. Results indicated alignment between the stated purpose of programmes and key program elements, however, there was a clear misalignment between stated programme aims and measured outcomes. This indicates where practical changes can be made so outcomes measured align with key programme and broader student experience goals, such as social connections and sense of belonging.