Transfer Student Stigmatization: A Conceptual Framework for the Manifestation of Transfer Student Microaggressions and Stereotypes

• In Event: Trajectories and Experiences of Community College Transfer

Abstract

This paper introduces a new conceptual framework, Transfer Student Stigmatization, which is supported with empirical evidence from a three-year interview study (N = 38) at a large public research university. Results showed approximately 70% of the interviewees had encountered transfer student microaggressions and stereotypes, which centered on intelligence and/or academic ability while others were based on the perceived characteristics of transfer students (i.e., socioeconomic background, work ethic, and/or character). Student and institutional-level implications were also presented.

Author

• Veronica Lavenant Fematt, University of California, Santa Barbara