If Students Swirl Differently, Why Do We Treat It the Same? Exploring Variations in Student Swirl

• In Event: Factors and Experiences Shaping College Student Success

Abstract

Policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers have increasingly focused on student swirl, or serial transferring, because of its relevance to the retention and degree completion of marginalized populations. However, one significant limitation in the existing literature is the treatment of swirl in a dichotomous manner, that is, students swirl or they don’t. Such a perspective ignores differences that exist across the spectrum of swirl intensity. This study specifically explored differences in attendance patterns, student characteristics, and institutional structural factors across degrees of intensity of swirl (e.g. students who moderately and significantly swirl). Descriptive and inferential analyses highlighted unique attendance patterns and prevalent differences across degrees of swirl intensity. The onset of COVID-19 propagated more swirl resulting in an on-going need to understand swirl.

Authors

• Diane Cardenas Elliott, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania

• Sally Hyatt, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania