College Student Engagement and Cognitive Skills Development Among Latina/o Transfer Students at More Selective Institutions

• In Event: 35.057 - Latinx College Students: Access, Transition, and Skill Development

Abstract

Despite the large proportion of Latina/o undergraduates at 4-year institutions who transferred from community colleges, they are relatively ignored in research about Latina/os in higher education. Using data from the 2012 administration of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the authors attempted to close the gap in the literature concerning Latina/o transfer student engagement and its effects on cognitive skills development at more selective institutions. Results of t tests and hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrate unique patterns of engagement and unique benefits associated with engagement for Latina/o transfer students at more selective institutions. Among other important implications for research, theory, and practice, the findings underscore the critical importance of disaggregating data by transfer status among Latina/o college students.

Authors

• Liz A. Rennick, The University of Arizona

• Young K. Kim, Azusa Pacific University