The power of social media to prepare and integrate community college transfer students

Download or read book The power of social media to prepare and integrate community college transfer students written by Benjamin Stoner and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 63 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Research reveals how rarely community college transfer students graduate in six years, following transfer to a four-year institution. The percentage is especially troubling when compared to students who chose to start their collegiate journeys at a four-year institution. This project begins by describing the transfer student population, highlighting students transitioning from a two-year institution to a four-year institution, and explaining why this expanding student population struggles to graduate within six years compared to the native student population. To understand this dilemma, this project addresses three key factors that negatively affect college transfer students and lengthen transfer students’ time to degree completion. First discussed is the favoritism of native students, particularly focusing on the student orientations offered. Next discussed are the difficult semesters following the transfer in those cases that are described as having an ?awkward fit.? The relationship and academic challenges often labeled ?transfer shock? constitute the final factor that negatively impacts college transfer students and their time to degree completion. To combat these challenges, transfer students need particular support and this project details how academic advisors, particularly those working at community colleges, can utilize social media as a tool to communicate and help prepare students to successfully integrate into a four-year institution; thus, hastening degree completion.