A Study of Engagement Patterns of Lateral and Vertical Transfer Students During Their First Semester at a Public Research University

Abstract

Transfer students are a growing population for four-year institutions and on many campuses, a majority. While much research on transition practices exists, the focus has been on the two- to four-year transition or vertical transfers, which account for less than half of the transfer students at many four-year institutions, rather than on four- to four-year transition or lateral transfer. This study, using a qualitative research design, compares the pattern of engagement of lateral and vertical transfer students during their first semester at a public research university. The study results indicate that lateral transfer students have as many engagement challenges as vertical transfer students and suggest that previous institutional and personal experiences and expectations are critical variables in providing services for and developing theories about transfer students.

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