Leading the Way: Transfer Student Connections to Student Success Ashley Holland - Richard Wurth Purpose of Study Research Questions How effective are the Appalachian State transfer student involvement programs of Jump Start, Transfer Student Mentor, Transfer Pre-orientation, and transfer housing? What impact do these programs and psychosocial and motivational constructs have on student success? The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of specific transfer student transition programs and initiatives at Appalachian State University. Further inquiry is directed at the relationship of student involvement and psychosocial factors on the transfer student experience. Findings Participants Transition Jump Start Appalachian Bridge Program Transfer Student Mentors Transfer Pre-Orientation Program Transfer Housing Initiatives Involvement Academic Integration Social Integration Living on campus versus off-campus Psychosocial & Motivation Self-efficacy Motivation to persist in college Independence and autonomy Locus of control 1,259 students from 2014 fall cohort 153 student responses to initial quantitative survey = 12.15% rate of return 74 students indicate interest in focus group participation 46.2% of transfer students living in a Residential Learning Community find the experience to be very effective toward the success of their college transition process. Mixed Methods Design Higher levels of academic and social integration indicate higher academic success in terms of GPA. Initial online voluntary Likert scale quantitative survey Secondary follow-up voluntary focus group participation with open ended qualitative questions to allow participants to answer in an open manner with honesty The questions focused on student involvement, student engagement, and factors of a psychosocial construct relating to the transfer student experience of the fall 2014 student cohort I could never see myself as, as someone who didn’t complete college because...everyone I know and...everyone in my family...they’ve all gone to college or they’re in college...so I’m not someone who would drop out. I’m gonna stick with it and see it through to the end." Conclusion Based on the research findings to date, it appears evident that transfer student perceptions of (1) academic and social involvement and (2) self-efficacy seem to correspond with success relative to a heightened student GPA. Concurrently, transfer students living in on-campus housing indicate this “living arrangement” is beneficial to a successful transfer student transition process into the university community. Acknowledgements The AppState Office of Transfer Services Bob Charlebois – Jump Start Coordinator Dr. Diane Waryold – Faculty Mentor