Supporting the Success of Transfer Students

Authors
Carleton University
S. Blanchard
J. O'Farrell
D. Taylor
R. Nimijean
P. Legakis
S. Philippe
S. Gonsalves
Reference Number
2013-04
Date
Status
Abstract

The Credit Transfer Innovation Fund supports a specific range of activities aligned with MTCU’s current priorities for development of credit transfer pathways in Ontario as well as research on the student experience of transfer, including experiences during the process of transfer and experiences after transfer, such as communication of transfer credits granted, orientation to new institution, academic preparation for new institution, etc. This benchmarking project was undertaken not only as part of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) five year $73.7M commitment to improve student mobility in Ontario but also supports Goals 1-1 and 1-2 of Carleton’s Strategic Integrated Plan to “develop new programs and initiatives that build on academic strengths and respond to societal needs” and to diversify the student population at Carleton in order to offset the projected decline in the traditional domestic student market. Carleton University already offers a number of transition and academic support services for first-year students. Transfer students see themselves as a distinct population and even though they need many of the same services, they often assume that the workshops and programs are designed for younger students. In addition, transfer students have unique needs around registration and integrating with already established peer groups. The purpose of these recommendations is to develop timely, targeted communications, to promote already existing services as well as to coordinate and enhance current services to better meet the specific needs of transfer students...