Using Ethnography to Understand How Policy Reform Influences the Transfer Process at One Community College

“Lost in the Shuffle”: How Relationships and Personalized Advisement Shape Transfer Aspirations and Outcomes for Community College Students

“…W. Taylor, 2019). Transfer advisement is often structured as a “drop-in” model that requires students to take the initiative to seek out information and guidance (Felix, 2018). However, many students do not realize they need help, are unaware of available supports, or are intimidated to seek help (Bensimon & Dowd, 2009; Deil-Amen & Rosenbaum, 2003).…”

“…At most community colleges, advisors deal with large volumes of students, and students may see a different advisor each time they visit the office (Allen et al, 2014; Jaggars et al, 2019). Students often report negative experiences with transfer advising, such as receiving inaccurate information that results in time and credit loss; a lack of personalization in advising; and that advisors do not know them or understand their education goals and plans (Allen et al, 2014; Felix, 2018; Musoba et al, 2018; Packard & Jeffers, 2013; Pak et al, 2006; Wang, 2020). In general, proactive outreach from advisors or coaches seems more effective than drop-in advising in terms of improving student outcomes (Bettinger & Baker, 2014;Donaldson et al, 2016; Earl, 1988;).…”

“…L. Taylor & Jain, 2017). However, without personalized guidance, students may not know when or how to make effective use of articulation frameworks; moreover, low-income or minoritized students, in comparison to more privileged peers, may feel less empowered to seek such guidance (Bensimon & Dowd, 2009; Deil-Amen & Rosenbaum, 2003; Felix, 2018). Thus, some researchers have suggested that personal relationships with “transfer agents”—authority figures such as advisors, faculty, or administrators that “act as bridges to facilitate the transfer process”—may be particularly important (Pak et al, 2006, p. 6).…”

Using State-Equity Reform to Improve Latinx Student Transfer

“…The policy addressed the lack of coherence in transfer pathways by creating a streamlined process between California Community Colleges and the California State University system to ensure greater efficiency of transfer. Heralded as historic legislation (CCO, 2015), SB-1440 changed the structural aspects of transfer by taking a more comprehensive approach to curriculum requirements, unclear transfer pathways, credit acceptance/redundancy, and time to degree completion (Felix, 2018;Public Policy Institute of California [PPIC], 2014). Central to this policy was the mandate to create entirely new degrees known as Associate Degrees for Transfers (ADT) that provide certain guarantees for community college students.…”

Graduation Rates at San Jose State University of Transferring Community College Students with an Associate Degree for Transfer: A Process Evaluation

“…Felix (2018) also provides research showing that the community college student is often underprepared for the maze of transfer requirements. Felix (2018) noted that many community college students are the first in their family to attend college. These students face not only academic hurdles, but also administrative hurdles.…”