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Transfer Bound: An Action Research Study to Improve Transfer Student Transitions

Capstone
2025

Repository

Description

The purpose of this action research study is to develop a pre-transfer orientation program for undergraduate transfer students at a mid-sized public university in the southeastern United States. For the utility of this study, the pre-transfer orientation program will be generally defined as an organized set of informational activities aimed at preparing transfer students for academic and social integration prior to their enrollment at the researcher’s institution. Guided by Tinto’s (1993) theoretical model of student departure, the study will address the challenges faced by transfer students, including inadequate advising, credit transferability issues, insufficient orientation, and feelings of not belonging. The overarching problem is the lack of a dedicated orientation program focused on the unique needs of transfer students at the researcher’s institution. Thus, the study intends to answer how transfer students experience institutional supports and what challenges influence their transition to the institution. This action research study will use an explanatory sequential mixed methods approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data from transfer students and academic advisors regarding their perceptions of the transfer orientation process. A survey with closed-ended items will be utilized to collect quantitative data from transfer students in the first phase of the study. Then, follow-up interviews will be conducted with consenting transfer students and academic advisors to gather qualitative data in the second phase of the study. Lastly, joint display tables will be used to synthesize the quantitative results with the qualitative findings. The anticipated results of this study aim to provide a framework for institutional improvement focused on the success of transfer students.
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Record Data:

Program :
  • Doctor of Education
Location :
  • CBE
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