Minnesota State Transfer Specialist Conference Friday, October 6, 2017 Creating a Soft Landing: Understanding & Meeting the Needs of Transfer Students in their Transition to CLA Minnesota State Transfer Specialist Conference Friday, October 6, 2017

CLA Transfer Advising Team Carmen Kurdziel – CLA Transfer Student Coordinator Margaret Rodgers – CLA Transfer Advisor Therese Djei – CLA Transfer Advisor Walter Goodwin – MLK Advisor & Transfer Advisor

What do we do? CLA Transfer Advising Goal: To help incoming transfer students make a soft landing into the College of Liberal Arts & The University of Minnesota Who are our transfer students? Fall 2016 Transfer Student Profile What do we mean by creating a soft landing?

Group Discussion What are some of the challenges that transfer students face? What are some challenges that staff working with transfer students face?

Group Discussion

Transfer Student Concerns Academic Adjustment Financial Concerns Social and Cultural Integration Career Development University. of Minnesota, Office of Undergraduate Education. (2015). University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Framework for the Transfer Student Initiative .

Strategies & Best Practices for Supporting Transfer Students Make transfer student success a priority Dedicate staff exclusively to transfers Create clear programmatic pathways Communicate clear program prerequisites and course sequences Provide tailored transfer student advising Clearly articulate transfer options and help students determine their interests Replicate elements of first-year experience for transfer students The Aspen Institute. The Transfer Playbook: Essential Practices for Two and Four Year Colleges (2016)

What are we doing to create a soft landing for transfer students? Prospective Students – “I want to transfer” Appointments, drop-in, phone and email Partnership with MCTC & St. Paul College Power of You programs Community College Visits CLA Major Transfer Guides

What are we doing to create a soft landing for transfer students? Confirmed Students – “I’m admitted…What’s next?” Appointments, drop-in, phone and email Online Orientation (mandatory) On-Campus Orientation & Registration (mandatory) CLA Transfer Welcome Day

What are we doing to create a soft landing for transfer students? New Students – “I’m here…Now what?” CLA 3001 – Transfer Semester Experience Course (Piloted Fall 2016) MLK Transfer Talks

Why we developed “TSE” - CLA 3001 Support “soft landing” throughout first semester Provide clear mentorship during transition/adjustment “First-year” experience but designed for transfers Honor of range of circumstances when promoting engagement Intentional guidance with major and career planning Maximize limited time to graduation

Logistics behind TSE - CLA 3001 Collaboration in CLA and across campus TSE committee Online with in-person requirements Curriculum: adjustment diversity major/career planning engagement resources Foster action with major/career planning and engagement

What we learned from our students Surveys Week 1 Week 9 Week 13 Focus Groups (end of the term) 2 - CLA 3001 students 1 - CLA Transfer students admitted Fall 2016

What we learned from our students “Yes, I would recommend this course.”

What we learned from our students “Yes, I would recommend this course.” “Treat Us like Freshmen.”

What we learned from our students “Yes, I would recommend this course.” “Treat Us like Freshmen.” “[I want to] Get to know people, meet new people, make friends.”

What we learned from our students “Yes, I would recommend this course.” “Treat Us like Freshmen.” “[I want to] Get to know people, meet new people, make friends.” Most beneficial content – resources, career week, and resumes

What we learned from our students “Yes, I would recommend this course.” “Treat Us like Freshmen.” “[I want to] Get to know people, meet new people, make friends.” Most beneficial content – resources, career week, and resumes The diversity of our transfer students makes it a challenge to have a one-size fits all class.

Future of TSE – CLA 3001 From pilot to AY 17-18 Enhanced based on student feedback Increased class size Added layers of student leadership More options to connect with fellow transfers On campus at events Online via Flipgrid CLA’s Career Readiness Initiative including “SuperStrong” for all International students: Reserved seats & funding for integration Additional collaboration across campus

Questions & Your Next Steps What do you wish you or your institution could do for transfer students? Do you have suggestions for our CLA Transfer Advising Team? Questions?