Successful TransitionsSuccessful Transitions::A Seminar Course for New A Seminar Course for New

Transfer StudentsTransfer Students

Virginia DonnellMiddle Tennessee State University

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

MTSUMTSU

Comprehensive university Largest undergraduate TN

institution 23,000 students 46% of undergraduates are

transfer students 1,790 fall 2006 new transfers Average 70% retention of new

transfers

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Need for Transfer CourseNeed for Transfer Course

THEC mandate Academically at-risk transfer students1st semester performance Transfer student orientation

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Development of CourseDevelopment of Course

Collaboration between Academic Enrichment and Transfer Student Services

Strategy for transfer student retention Patterned after Freshman Seminar Focus on career development Focus on civic and campus engagement

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Course DescriptionCourse DescriptionA seminar for transfer students designed to facilitate successful transition to the university through group interaction and collaboration, goal setting, self-management, and accessing campus resources.

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Course FormatCourse Format

•Serve as a general elective.

•Course for all transfer students.

•One semester credit hour meeting once a week.

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Source of EnrollmentSource of Enrollment

•Initial source of enrollment for this course will originate from the advisement of new transfer students who are academically at-risk students (GPA 2.5 and below).

•Academically at-risk (2.5 GPA and below) transfer students have dropped out at a rate of over 30 percent after the first year of enrollment.

•Historical data (2003-2005) indicated the need for additional adjustment assistance and orientation for transfer students to the university.

Course ObjectivesCourse Objectives•Improve Student Retention

•Facilitate a successful transition of students to Middle Tennessee State University.

•Develop student survival skills to overcome academic and adjustment difficulties.

•Enhance Academic Performance•Provide students transition success strategies and tools to enhance their retention toward graduation.

•Improve Student Involvement•Develop and establish interpersonal and campus community connections.

•Acquaint students with the academic and campus involvement expectations of Middle Tennessee State University.

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Class TopicsClass Topics•Being in transition

•Being a successful student at MTSU

•Being involved in the campus community

•Balancing college and life

•Developing a career path

•Career discovery and exploration

•Choosing an appropriate major for career

•Identifying and working with a mentor/advisor in the field

•Educational background and goals needed for career

•Career preparation: resume/portfolio, interview, networking

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Student Academic Student Academic PerformancePerformance

Students tend to have higher 1st semester GPA’s if enrolled in University 2020.

Probationary admitted transfer students who completed University 2020 have made the Dean’s List (3.5 and above) in the 1st semester of enrollment.

Transfer students improve their overall GPA’s when completing University 2020.

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Spring 2006 Results Spring 2006 Results

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

No University2020

University 2020

Transfer GPA1st Semester GPADifference

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

11stst Semester Academic Semester Academic Performance Performance

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

No University 2020 University 2020

Spring 2006Fall 2006Summary

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Student ReactionsStudent Reactions “Every transfer student should take UNIV

2020. It is a great gateway to the University.”

“I recommend taking the UNIV 2020 class because it makes your transition easy..”

“I feel having UNIV 2020 show us around campus …..this really helps deal with the change we face.”

“UNIV 2020 is a good course to take…..The class will give tools you need to succeed.”

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Continuing and Future Continuing and Future StrategiesStrategies

Discipline-specific sections Undeclared–specific sectionsConnected coursesHybrid deliveryOffering to future transfers at local

community colleges

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)

Successful TransitionsSuccessful Transitions::A Course for New Transfer A Course for New Transfer

Students Students

Virginia DonnellMiddle Tennessee State University

Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (2007)