1. 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