Facilitating a Culture of Transfer Student Success Crystal C. Anderson Director of Transfer Advising & Articulations

A Case Study of Old Dominion University’s Transfer Initiatives OVERVIEW Background of ODU Why is transfer student success important? Recruitment Initiatives Letter of Intent/GAA Internal/External Partnerships Retention Initiatives Challenges Recommendations

-Large, research institution in a metropolitan area -Student body of about 25,000 -Enroll approx new transfer students each year -Significant distance learning student population -25% of student population is military affiliated -Transfer Services are separated across multiple departments/divisions multiple departments/divisions -Over 60% transfer from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Old Dominion’s Profile Old Dominion’s Profile

Why is transfer student success important? What are the major components needed for success of transfer students? What are the barriers to student success? What opportunities are available to facilitate success of transfer students? Key Questions

- Partnerships – Internal – External -Communication - - Transfer Specific Services & Programming The Answer:

- Letter of Intent to Transfer Web-based form used to gather student information Must be submitted for Guaranteed Admission Used to identify students following articulation agreements with other institutions Streamlines partnership with other institutions Major Pre-advising tool Major Recruitment Initiative

Pre-Advising Learning Outcomes Student Goals and Learning Outcomes in the Pre- Advising Process GOAL 1. To take full responsibility for learning about opportunities and resources that help formulate academic and career early in the transfer process. GOAL 2. To define academic and career goals by exploring options through courses and other educational experiences. GOAL 3. To be engaged in the course selection process and to actively seek and participate in other educational opportunities that help in the achievement of academic and career goals. GOAL 4. To read and understand the University's policies and procedures in relation to meeting University, College, and Departmental graduation requirements. GOAL 5. To be responsible for new information provided through on-line resources and to be prepared with accurate information and relevant materials. GOAL 6. To consult with the academic advisor on a mutually agreed upon schedule to review course choices, discuss academic and career goals, and assess progress towards degree completion.

Benefits of The Letter of Intent Old Dominion University Admissions - Recruitment Transfer Advising & Articulations - Access to prospective students to ensure they are on the “right track” Distance Learning – Early connection = Retention ODU Faculty - Project program growth Prospective Student Pre-advising before ODU enrollment Invited by Admissions, Transfer Advising and site directors to events, programs, etc. Early registration once admitted “Locked” into catalog year Avenue for Guaranteed Admissions/Articulations

- Meet student needs through individual, group or online format -Share data and student information with partner institutions and academic colleges -Identify enrollment patterns/trends -Increased recruitment/communication with prospective students -Consistent messages to prospective students using CRM -Use of pre-advising checklist by all ODU “advisors” and admissions representatives -Provided data needed to request appointments/office space at community colleges Advantages of The Letter of Intent

Taking the guesswork out of degree planning -Articulation AgreementsArticulation Agreements -Curriculum SheetsCurriculum Sheets -Transfer GuideTransfer Guide -Monarch TRANSFERMATIONMonarch TRANSFERMATION Transfer equivalency database Guiding Students to Enrollment

Community college programs: applied associates degrees and some transferrable degrees (for professional study majors) ODU: Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, Human Services, Criminal Justice, STEM, Teacher Prep, Nursing and Dental Hygiene How do applied associates degrees get articulated?  Gen eds + AAS/AAA degree = ODU Articulation Completion of the articulation agreement will waive lower division general education at ODU Students receive the same benefit as if they completed the transferrable associates degree Articulation Agreements

AAS Degree General Education Courses ODU Program Courses Articulation Components BS Degree

-Academic planning guides for prospective and current students -Maps degree plans within four years -Retention initiative -Assists with enrollment planning -Used by community college advisors, students, faculty -Major/Career Exploration videos Curriculum Sheets/Finish in 4 Campaign

Finish in Four Finish in Four Website launched to guide students through degree programs in four years Major university initiative that is communicated with transfer students Required participation and oversight from academic departments/chairs Great recruitment tool Pre-Advising with Graduation in Mind Pre-Advising with Graduation in Mind

Transfer Student Orientation- online and/or in-person Transfer Student Newsletters Transfer Welcome BBQ/ Transfer Student Day Transfer Orientation Course- UNIV 100 Peer Mentors Transfer Student Organization- Tau Sigma Transfer Student Issue Workgroup Student Support Groups Women’s Center Student Veteran Association Transfer Seminar Course- for transfer students in academic difficulty (UNIV 112) Calling Campaigns Retention Initiatives

How do we make it work??? Communication / Transfer Advocacy is Key Multiple committees and groups o Student Success Committee—chaired by Provost and VP for Student Engagement and Enrollment Services o Excellence in Advising Commission- with representation for EM areas o Retention Committee Regular/ Yearly Meetings o Luncheons with CC staff/administration o Trainings/Workshops for campus community & key stakeholders o Road trips to distance learning sites o Listserv/Share point sites o Newsletters/ Memos of Changes

Time it takes to implement Constant need for training/development of faculty and staff Finding the right method of communication for each stakeholder Mandating all faculty and staff attend training and development Not getting the support of “everyone” Not having “central” location for all transfer services Constant change and implementation of software, CRM products, technology Challenges

Have clear goals/objectives Have clear goals/objectives Identifying transfer advocates in key roles-change agents Be Visible Consistent, constant follow-up with stakeholders Partner, Partner, Partner Use data to support justifications Use data to support justifications Seek opportunities with Academic Affairs Seek opportunities with Academic Affairs Academic Allies are great for recruitment Assess your outcomes Assess your outcomes Be patient, persistent and committed Be patient, persistent and committed Use Council for Academic Standards (CAS) as guide Use Council for Academic Standards (CAS) as guideCouncil for Academic Standards (CAS)Council for Academic Standards (CAS) Recommendations for Facilitating Transfer Success

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