Today’s Transfer Students: Building a Foundation of Success Dr. Mark Allen Poisel Vice President for Student Affairs Georgia Regents University Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University September 13, 2013

Appalachian State’s Pathway to Student Success Transfer Symposium: A Campus Conversation about Transfer Student Success Appalachian State’s Pathway to Student Success Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Today’s College Students Are we speaking the same language? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAG39jKi0lI “It is a transition that deserves but rarely receives much attention from campus administrators [faculty and staff], who sometimes assume that transfer students are already acclimated to college and do not need assistance.” (Handel, 2013) Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Transfer Context Nearly 60% of students will graduate with credits from more than one institution (not all would be considered transfer students) (Adelman, 2006) Community college to university remains the most prevalent transfer pathway (Handel, 2007) Students who successfully transfer struggle to become familiar with a new campus (Handel, 2013) Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Transfers in the 21st Century Increasing numbers of students are coming to their first institution with credit Students transfer multiple times The most diverse student sub-population Two-year and four-year institutions are expected to be accountable for transfers The greatest challenge for institutions is serving the unique needs of these students Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Institutional Implications Awareness of the role of transfer students College readiness and secondary preparation Regional access to higher education Enrollment in community colleges Student success and graduation rates Treatment across student populations Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State’s Progress Established the Office of Transfer Articulation Created a Transfer Advisory Board Developed a Reverse Transfer program Streamlined the process for Transfer Credit Added Residential Learning Communities for transfer students Created Jump Start Appalachian Started the academic initiative –Writing Across the Institutions Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Core Values Collaboration Advocacy Engagement Success Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Partner-> Create->Succeed Collaboration Build strong relationships and partnerships Involve faculty, staff and students Joint programming and services Curriculum alignment Partner-> Create->Succeed Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Partnerships and Programs Articulation agreements Common syllabi and courses Workshops and programs Shared facilities, faculty and staff Concurrent enrollment Advisor workshops Decision days and joint advisement programs Shared curriculum guides Presentations in CC classes and before graduation “…the transfer pathway, despite the dominate view that it is primarily a community college responsibility, is an inter-institutional enterprise, the success of which depends upon the active and cooperative participation of two- and four- year institutions.” (Handel, 2013) Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Advocacy Be intentional about planning for transfers Establish a transfer friendly environment Develop good policies and procedures Assess and identify their unique issues Tell the transfer story Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Advocacy Initiatives Establish a transfer success committee Perform a campus audit of the transfer culture Recommend specific transfer policies or procedures Develop feedback mechanisms Create a communication tool to highlight the successes of transfer students Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Engagement Focus on student engagement Establish a role for student leaders to serve peers Involve faculty, staff and students Create first-year programming Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Engagement Activities Student organizations for transfers Leadership and service programs Peer mentoring roles Undergraduate research opportunities Inclusive activities and academic workshops Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Engagement Activities Global Learning through QEP International Programming Faculty and student exchanges Study Abroad Opportunities Faculty led Travel Courses International Internships Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Success Prepare students for transfer Focus on the transition Emphasize academic success Measure student learning outcomes Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Programs and Services Transfer centers Transfer orientation and welcome week Parent/family programs Transfer student success seminars Peer mentoring and ambassador programs Financial management workshops Veterans programs Transfer fairs for students and their families On-line transfer guides Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Transfer Student Success Transition Where YOU fit in Preparation Progression Help students early or before they arrive Work with them during the transition and first year Help them graduate and move on to the next stage Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Focus on Transfer Students Establish a transfer friendly environment Learn about your students via data Assess your culture & programs Develop good policies and procedures Build strong relationships and partnerships Prepare students for transfer Enhance student engagement Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

IT TAKES A UNIVERSITY TO GRADUATE A STUDENT Transfer Symposium: A Campus Conversation about Transfer Student Success Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Discussion & Questions Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Questions to Consider What impressions do you have about this session? How can you use the information/what you learned? What additional or new questions do you have? Other thoughts? Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University Contact Information Dr. Mark Allen Poisel Vice President for Student Affairs mpoisel@gru.edu 706-737-1411 Transfer Symposium Appalachian State University