Experiences of Female Transfer Students

Lauren N. Ibarra.

Bachelor’s degrees are often thought of as the ticket to a great career. However, going to a university to earn one can be very expensive, especially if one is not awarded a significant amount of scholarship funding or financial aid. In fact, nearly 40% of students who are in higher education right now are not at universities; they are at a community college. Although community colleges offer their own credentials, from associate degrees to technical certificates to bachelor’s degrees – many students consider them a pathway to a university. In recent years, the rate of enrollment has been decreasing for students who would transfer to universities from community colleges. Notably, this rate of transfer has decreased for female transfer students. In this presentation, we will examine the challenges and supports experienced by a few of these students.

[AISHACORTEZ]

Lauren, Great job on your presentation. I really enjoyed it from the start to finish. I like how you focus specifically on females, this gives us a voice. I love how you presented everything, especially your findings. Everything was presented clearly and I love the support you had on this topic.

[matthewgarza]

This is great presentation, Lauren. I found the structure in which the information was addressed, gathered, analyzed, and presented thoughtful and interesting. The challenges your participants shared with your study struck me as I too seemed to have missed out on learning about the resources available to transfer students. Great topic!

[mellis]

Laura - Your insights into the experiences of female transfer students were eye-opening and impactful. The challenges faced and the support needed when transferring can be overwhelming, especially when coming from a smaller school to a large university. I know I experienced that as an undergrad. I think your research and the clarity with which you presented it will surely inspire positive changes. Great job!

[joacosta]

I enjoyed your presentation especially as a female student. Thank you for your insightful presentation on how students face obstacles while transferring between schools. I find it interesting how transferring could be viewed as, not only a big decision with immediate impact, but possibly a life altering decision. It is good to know that your participant had family support.

[shiggy]

Lauren, I resonate with the major themes you listed. As a female transfer student, I experienced all of them. Thanks for sharing the awareness and hopefully your study helps improve the experience of future female transfer students.

[tzitzidixson]

Lauren,
Interesting topic! I was surprised at the information your participants shared with you! I hope this presentation can share this knowledge with more people! Great presentation and format.Thank you!
Tzitzi Daniel

[jessicah]

Eye opening topic, Lauren! I did not realize the challenges transfer students faced, specifically those that are female. I especially liked how you used the term "self supporting behaviors, " which we all need to persevere.

[teinagamez]

Hi Lauren,
These are great research questions, and ones I had never really thought about before. However, this research is very relevant to myself and many others I know. I attended community college when I was 18 years old, and once I received my associate's degree, I had to stop attending because I couldn't afford the bills. Having my daughter meant I had to work two jobs for a few years before I could recently return to school. I wanted to progress with my current employer in higher education. Now, as both an employee and a student, I have observed many challenges that female students face compared to male students.
-Teina G