How Do Students Leverage Resources to Achieve Transfer Goals?

• In Event: Strategies to Enhance the Community College Experience

Abstract

In order to improve baccalaureate attainment for community colleges students, we need to understand how students manage the transfer process and engage with the state and institutional policy environments. This study builds theory around behaviors associated with successful vertical transfer. Rather than focusing on the barriers facing students, we use an asset-based approach to understand the strategies successful transfer students use to navigate the vertical transfer pipeline. We make use of original survey and focus group data merged with state administrative data to explore this policy issue. Findings from this study will help decision-makers formulate policies or interventions which enhance and leverage strategies students deem instrumental to their transfer process.

Authors

• Hidahis Mesa, Vanderbilt University

• Adela Soliz, Vanderbilt University