Reconceptualizing Challenges in Advising Engineering Transfers: Perspectives of Academic Advisors and Transfer Students

• In Event: 67.070 - Sheraton Roundtable 14 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 67.070-4 - Supporting Student Transfer in Higher Education

Abstract

Using a qualitative approach, we investigated experiences of both academic advisors and transfer students pursuing engineering degrees in a 4-year research university. We also reconceptualized challenges in the advising practice with engineering transfers. The findings of the study provide a holistic understanding of why advising engineering transfer students is challenging, and suggest a conceptual framework that captures individual and institutional factors that contribute to the challenges in advising. The framework can be used to facilitate academic advisors, transfer students in engineering programs, and 4-year institutions to better understand the transfer process and ultimately promote transfer students’ success in engineering.

Authors

• Yi Leaf Zhang, University of Texas at Arlington

• Trang Van Dinh, The University of Texas - Arlington