Environmental resources, such as academic support (ASU) and social support (SSU), play a vital role in successful transition and adjustment to college, especially for students of underrepresented racial/ethnic minority (UREM) backgrounds. However, ASU and SSU have often been studied separately and cross-sectionally. To fill these gaps, this longitudinal study examined growth trajectories of ASU and SSU together and explored personality traits as their predictors and positive adjustment and retention as outcomes for UREM college students in the United States.


The sample included 316 first-year UREM students at a public American university (52% males, 48% females; 42% Latinx Americans, 20% multi-racial individuals, 16% African/Black Americans, 14% Asian Americans, 8% other underrepresented minorities). ASU and SSU were assessed in the 1st week (T1), 5th week (T2), and 10th week (T3) during participants' first semester on campus. Extraversion and emotional stability were assessed at T1 whereas academic adjustment, social adjustment, and intention of continuous enrollment were measured at T3. Data were collected using instruments with acceptable psychometric properties.


The hypothesized model produced acceptable fit (CFI = .94, SRMR = .05). Participants perceived similar levels of ASU and SSU at T1. SSU exhibited an upward trend over time while that of ASU was less clear. Extraversion predicted ASU and SSU intercepts and emotional stability predicted ASU intercept, but neither variable was predictive of ASU and SSU slopes. ASU intercept and slope and SSU intercept positively predicted T3 academic adjustment, whereas ASU slope and SSU intercept and slope were positive predictors of T3 social adjustment. ASU slope also positively predicted participants' intention at T3 to enroll next semester. This study offers evidence for the importance of environmental supports gathered over time in facilitating a positive transition into college. Securing resources for academic and social goals should be included in interventions for serving UREM college students.