Institutional Partnerships for Transfer Student Success: An Examination of Catalysts and Barriers to Collaboration

• In Event: 43.024 - Examining Institutional Strategies for Success Among Transfer Students

Abstract

It is important to understand the factors that facilitate successful transfer and completion between two- and four-year colleges, as this is the path to baccalaureate attainment for many college students, and particularly historically underserved populations. This paper draws upon qualitative data from a multi-state, mixed-methods study on high-performing transfer partnerships, defined as pairs of institutions that perform better than their peers in transfer, retention, and completion for all students, and particularly underrepresented students. We present findings about factors that promote and impede these successful cross-institutional partnerships. By doing so, our research aims to build upon previous conceptualizations of transfer partnerships by specifically examining institutional pairs that promote more equitable transfer outcomes for underserved student populations.

Authors

• Theresa Ling Yeh, University of Washington

• Lia Wetzstein, University of Washington