Community College Transfer Students' Adjustment to a Four-Year Institution: A Qualitative Analysis
Author(s): Owens, K. R.
Citation: Owens, K. R. (2010). Community College Transfer Students' Adjustment to a Four-Year Institution: A Qualitative Analysis. Journal of The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition, 22(1), 87-128.
Abstract
This research presents findings from a qualitative study investigating the perceptions of students engaged in the transfer process. Fifty-seven community college transfer students were interviewed through e-journaling during fall 2006 and spring 2007 in an effort to learn what students perceive as a successful transfer process, supports needed to accommodate a successful transfer process, and barriers inhibiting successful transfer. In reflecting on their initial adjustment, student journals described experiences of marginality, difficulty finding guidance, and learning to navigate the university system. E-journals also reveal personal attention, academic integration, social interaction, and technology as important parts of the transfer support system while lack of communication between and within the community college and the university was seen as a significant barrier. Student comments also presented recommendations for change.
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