Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Vertical Transfer Success

Hispanic Student Perceptions of Transfer and Transition Issues

Valerie O. Paton

Robert Elliott

Lucy Barnard-Brak

Patricia M. Ryan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v22i2.2887

Keywords: Hispanic, student, perceptions, transition, community, four-year, college, pre transfer, mid transfer, post transfer

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Abstract

The authors conducted a qualitative investigation of Hispanic students’ perceptions of the experience of vertical transfer from community college to a four-year institution. The study participants were students who had completed vertical transfer from two community colleges into a four-year degree program co-located in a region of the southwestern United States. Participants were predominantly Hispanic, male, and first generation. The findings of focus group sessions and survey data are analyzed and capture participants’ perceptions of issues that are essential to transfer success at the pre-, mid-, and post-transfer phases of the transition process and post-graduation goals and expectations.