Approaches in Preparing Transfer Degree Students for University Study: A Case Study of a Community College in Rural Southwest Virginia

The purpose of this case study was to understand approaches for preparing students for their transition to a four-year university following completion of a transfer-focused associate degree at a community college. The theory guiding this study was Albert Bandura’s social cognitive theory. The study followed an embedded, single case study design and included faculty members, staff, administrators, and students within the transfer division, along with general college staff at a rural community college in southwest Virginia. The study used surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data which was analyzed to identify relevant themes and unique approaches to preparing transfer degree graduates for the next step in their education. Data collected resulted in three main themes. These included the skills needed for transfer, the importance of student support, and areas where students feel unprepared. The data interpretation discussed the site’s holistic approach to preparing transfer students, effective curricular design, and support offered both in and out of the classroom. These approaches support the development of self-efficacy and preparedness necessary for transferring to a four-year university. The approaches tie in well with the social cognitive theory’s concept of reciprocity of personal, behavioral, and environmental factors.