The Voyage of College to University Transfer Students: The Student VoiceJanuary 27, 2012

Terry Hickey, Professor, Loyalist College

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

• To understand the experiences, challenges and barriers that students encounter in transition from college to university.

FINDINGS

• Motivation

• Academic Surprise

• Fitting In

• Not-So-Seamless Education

PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS

•College Improvements• Increase advertising of university transfer options and agreements

• Make the process transparent

• Academic preparation needs to be addressed in terms of writing and critical thinking.

•University Improvements• Increase the level of detail on transfer information on the web site

• Increase the number and better train advisors

• Change available hours of admissions operation

• Create orientation for transfer students using transfer students and provide instruction on how the university works and on the course selection process as well as make the credit evaluation process more time responsive and transparent.

Next Generation C2U Model

Environment /Culture

SocialAcademi

c

Program Change

Advisors

Admin. Staff

Friends and Family

Faculty

College

Stress

Contact

Depth

Time/Cost

Credit Transfer Process of Articulation/Collaboration/Negotiation/Appeal

Supports

Fitting In