70 Identifying factors that play a significant role in the animal science transfer student experience

Abstract

Transfer students make up 16.5% of the undergraduate population in the Animal Science (ANS) major, and transfer enrollment is on the rise. Transfers often face challenges that are different from their direct-from-high-school peers. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that affected the transfer transition from a previous institution to the ANS department. Based on focus group (n=6) feedback, a survey instrument was developed and piloted. Using pilot data, a factor analysis was performed and the instrument was tested for reliability. Once validated, the instrument was used to collect data from first semester ANS transfer students (n=47). No incentives were offered, and participation was voluntary. Between-factor Pearson correlations were estimated, and responses to scale questions were tallied. Significant negative correlations were observed between social integration and risk of attrition (r=-0.53, p< 0.01), and between social integration and academic struggle (r=-0.48, p< 0.01). Social integration was positively correlated with overall satisfaction within the ANS department (r=0.638, p< 0.01). Students who felt socially integrated were more confident academically, more comfortable at ISU, and were less likely to leave. Students had a positive view of the ANS department if they were involved in clubs and student organizations (r=0.42, p< 0.05). Transfers who were satisfied with instructor interactions tended to be more content with the overall transfer process (r=0.44, p< 0.01). Approximately 72% of respondents felt that paying for school created a lot stress in their life, but 52% felt satisfied with the financial assistance they received. Only half of the respondents reported that the pre-registration orientation helped prepare them for transfer to ISU, but 95.9% of ANS transfers reported that they understood the requirements for graduation. These data will inform policy and procedures related to transfer student onboarding and the promotion of social interactions with peers.