Title: CAN I MAKE IT AT THE BIG U?:
        COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRANSFER STUENT STORIES

Abstract

This case study explored the experiences of students who transferred from a community college to a local research university. Four in-depth interviews were conducted with three traditional-age students who transferred with junior standing to explore expectations of transferring to the university, experiences at the university in the first semester after transfer, and meaning of the experiences. Interview one established the historical context of participants' experiences; interview two focused on concrete details of participants' present experiences as a university student, interview three encouraged participants to reflect on the meaning and understanding of their experiences; interview four probed topics introduced in the first three interviews and provided for reflection on the experience of participating in the study.

A chapter was dedicated to each student story organized to follow the interview chronology. The analysis of the students' stories included identifying the themes that emerged and describing the interrelationships among the themes. The eight themes were: college choice; community college access; transfer function; advising and articulation; academic integration; social integration and belonging; family involvement; and sharing their stories.

The students' families were highly involved in the choice to begin at the community college. The students varied in their satisfaction with the community college experience, but all exhibited a strong intent to transfer and resourcefulness in utilizing services at the community college. They continued to exhibit resourfulness at the university to assist in their transition. None of the students experienced transfer shock (drop in GPA) in their first semester at the university. They all found their niche at the university, while acknowledging their difference from native students. The students held the university in high esteem academically, and were proud to have successfully transferred.

The case study is concluded with the identification of questions for high school counselors, and community college and university educators and administrators. Additional areas for qualitative and quantitative research are identified that included case studies, survey research, and evaluative research.