Pathways to Success? Examining "Transfer Shock" and the Community College Transfer Experience of STEM Students

• In Event: Addressing Challenges in Facilitating Pathways From Community Colleges to STEM Bachelor's Degrees

Abstract

Community colleges are an important pathway to a four-year degree in a STEM field. However, transfer students often experience “transfer shock”, a temporary decrease in GPA that may be associated with changes in academic expectations and degree persistence. This mixed methods study used institutional records as well as semi-structured focus group interviews from two large universities to explore transfer shock of students in STEM majors. Findings show STEM majors appear to experience greater GPA shock than non-STEM majors, especially in the first semester, and that more demanding academic expectations, attenuated faculty relationships, and lack of peer support are perceived as factors contributing to the transfer shock of STEM majors at four-year universities.

Authors

• Diane Cardenas Elliott, Bloomsburg University

• Joni M. Lakin, Auburn University