Reframing Transfer Choice: Centering the Lived Experiences of Latina/o/x Students in the Transfer Decision-Making Process

• In Event: Construyendo Caminos: Expanding Access and Pathways for Latinx/a/o/e Students

Abstract

This study examines how racial, cultural, sociopolitical, geographic, and familial factors shape the transfer decisions of Latina/o/x community college students. Utilizing college-conocimiento (Acevedo-Gil, 2017) to visualize the multidimensional and non-linear transfer choice journeys of Latina/o/x students and transfer receptive culture (Jain et al., 2020) to analyze these experiences through an institutional lens four themes emerged: (a) cultural and racial implications of transfer decisions, (b) the role of place and geographic proximity shaping transfer pathways, (c) immigration policy and sociopolitical context shaping transfer decisions, and (d) cultural values and familial expectations in shaping transfer choices. This research provides a foundation for developing equitable and culturally sustaining transfer pathways for Latina/o/x students.

Author

• Ivan Valdovinos, San Diego Community College District