Date Approved
6-2-2025
Embargo Period
6-2-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
Stephanie Lezotte, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Tyrone McCombs, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Andrew Tinnin, Ed.D.
Disciplines
Education | Higher Education
Abstract
Community college systems offer accessible and affordable postsecondary education, with nearly half of all undergraduates attending public institutions opting for community colleges, particularly low-income, minority, and first-generation students. Less than 35% of students will reach the goal of transferring to a four-year institution within six years even though 80% of community college students intend to (Jabbar et al, 2019). This thesis explores the experiences of transfer students as they transition from one institution to another, focusing on the challenges they face and the support systems they rely on during this process. Focusing on transfer students can provide insights into why this gap exists and help address challenges such as financial burdens, transfer shock, emotional wellbeing and social integration. This study employs a qualitative phenomenological design to investigate the lived experiences of transfer students through semi-structured interviews. The phenomenological analysis revealed key themes such as social integration, academic adjustment, and many more. Creating in-person social events, increasing transfer student representation in student government, offering dedicated advising and orientation, providing clear financial aid resources, improving transparency in the credit transfer process, and creating more accessible and convenient parking could help ease some of the stress transfer experience and improving their overall campus experience.
Recommended Citation
Dozier-Pendleton, Meocha, "From One Campus to Another: Transfer Student Journeys" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3372.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3372
