scholarly journals Understanding the transfer student experience using design thinking

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Whang ◽  
Christine Tawatao ◽  
John Danneker ◽  
Jackie Belanger ◽  
Stephen Edward Weber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Students ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Work And Family ◽  
User Needs ◽  
Transfer Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Time To Learn ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to discuss a 2015-2016 University of Washington Libraries project focused on understanding the needs and challenges of transfer students on the Seattle campus and developing innovative ways to support transfer student success. Design/methodology/approach The study uses design thinking methods, including interviews and rapid iterative prototyping and feedback, to understand and emphasize the user experience. Findings Transfer students at the Seattle campus identify themselves as a unique group separate from other undergraduates because of their prior experience, shortened timeline at the university and their need to balance academic, work and family commitments. Because transfer students often have little time to learn about and effectively use campus resources, the authors found that working with campus partners to enrich transfer-specific student orientations and events with educational and practical content was the most effective means of supporting new students. Research limitations/implications This pilot study was conducted over an 11-month period with a small number of participants, but the iterative nature of design thinking allowed the authors to gather new feedback from a variety of students and staff at each phase. Originality/value This study showcases how design thinking methods can increase understanding of transfer student and other user needs. The design thinking approach can also enable the rapid development of library and campus services, as well as outreach efforts, to meet user needs.

scholarly journals Transforming for our transfers: the creation of a transfer student services librarian

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 485-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa R. Coats ◽  
Anne E. Pemberton
Keyword(s):  
Transfer Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Student Services ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Military Service ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Transfer Student ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to describe the unique library, research and information literacy skills that transfer students need, specifically at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, which led to the creation, recruitment and appointment of a Transfer Student Services Librarian at William Madison Randall Library (Randall Library). Design/methodology/approach Along with a brief review of the relevant literature, this paper describes the specific needs that were identified that led to the creation of the position; the unique gaps in information skills that transfer students have; how the university was addressing the needs of transfer students; how the library became focused on the needs of this population of students; how the library began collaborating with campus partners to address these needs; and, to date, how the position has impacted transfer students. Findings An increase in the number of transfer students from community colleges, four year institutions and military service combined with the institution’s information literacy curriculum requirements, led to the creation of a new position called “Transfer Student Services Librarian”. Practical implications Academic libraries wishing to explore the creation of such a position, or wanting to assess their own institution’s needs for their transfer student population, will benefit from this paper. Originality/value Few, if any, libraries have adopted a position specifically for transfer student services and this paper addresses how to assess the need and decide on practical applications for other academic libraries.

Through three lenses: transfer students and the library

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 400-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Sandelli
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Transfer Students ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Transfer Student ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Science And Education

Purpose The aim of this paper is to examine literature related to transfer students and students in transition through three interrelated lenses: student demographics and experiences, considerations encountered by institutions of higher education working to support these students and academic libraries’ interactions with this growing population. Design/methodology/approach Library and information science and education databases were searched for articles related to transfer student experiences and initiatives. Educational research and policy centers were also investigated for supplemental data and definitions. Findings Several key considerations for academic libraries interested in supporting transfer students emerged, including the growth and diversity of this population; academic, social and procedural experiences encountered during and after students’ transition; commonalities and differences with native first-year students; and the value of partnerships in fostering student success. Practical implications This review contextualizes conversations regarding transfer student experiences, providing a resource for librarians to understand this population from multiple perspectives and to use these perspectives to develop and enhance initiatives, resources and services. Originality/value Despite an increased emphasis on transfer students across higher education, there is little literature regarding libraries’ involvement with this population. This literature review also seeks to expand upon existing conversations by examining transfer student experiences beyond the library that could inform both their interactions with the library and the ways in which libraries connect and communicate with these students.

scholarly journals Transfer Student Experiences and Identity Navigation in STEM: Overlapping Figured Worlds of Success

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. ar48
Author(s):  
Austin L. Zuckerman ◽  
Stanley M. Lo
Keyword(s):  
Community Colleges ◽  
Transfer Students ◽  
Figured Worlds ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Transfer Student ◽  
Degree Programs ◽  
Science Technology ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
The University ◽  
University Setting

Successful transitions from community colleges to the university setting are essential for increasing the number of transfer students who complete science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree programs. In this study, Holland’s framework of figured worlds was used to examine how transfer students pursuing STEM negotiated their identities in their transition to the university.

Pathway patterns mobility study of first time vs. transfer students in computer science and information technology programs at a public university

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Prateek Basavaraj ◽  
Ivan Garibay ◽  
Ozlem Ozmen Garibay
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Student Success ◽  
Computer Science ◽  
Transfer Students ◽  
Public University ◽  
Transfer Student ◽  
Mobility Patterns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Time ◽  
Progression Patterns

PurposePostsecondary institutions use metrics such as student retention and college completion rates to measure student success. Multiple factors affect the success of first time in college (FTIC) and transfer students. Transfer student success rates are significantly low, with most transfer students nationwide failing to complete their degrees in four-year institutions. The purpose of this study is to better understand the degree progression patterns of both student types in two undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs: computer science (CS) and information technology (IT). Recommendations concerning academic advising are discussed to improve transfer student success.Design/methodology/approachThis study describes how transfer student success can be improved by thoroughly analyzing their degree progression patterns. This study uses institutional data from a public university in the United States. Specifically, this study utilizes the data of FTIC and transfer students enrolled in CS and IT programs at the targeted university to understand their degree progression patterns and analyzes the program curricula using network science curricular analytics method to determine what courses in the curriculum require more assistance to retain students.FindingsThe major findings of this study are: (1) students’ degree mobility patterns within an institution differ significantly between transfer and FTIC students; (2) some similarities exist between the CS and IT programs in terms of transfer students' degree mobility patterns; (3) transfer students' performance in basic and intermediate level core courses contribute to differences in transfer students' mobility patterns.Originality/valueThis study introduces the concept of “mobility patterns” and examines student degree mobility patterns of both FTIC and transfer students in a large public university to improve the advising process for transfer students regarding courses and identifying secondary majors.

Innovative ways companies are using design thinking

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 40-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne Liedtka
Keyword(s):  
Design Thinking ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Design Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Fortune 100 ◽  
Problem Solving Process ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – Researchers at the University of Virginia's Darden Business School and the Design Management Institute report on field research into how widely design thinking is being adopted in leading companies and how effectively is it being adapted in a variety of industries. Design/methodology/approach – They interviewed boundary spanners – leaders who operated at the intersection of design and business – in a number of Fortune 100 organizations and focused on ten organizations where design thinking was having an impact on practice. Findings – They found that design thinking was, in fact, also a problem solving process, not just an innovation process. Research limitations/implications – Examples are anecdotal. Practical implications – Learning from design tools – such as, ethnographic interviewing, customer journey mapping and job-to-be-done analysis – encouraged team members to stay involved with the problem long enough to reframe the opportunity. Originality/value – The highest payoff from adopting a design-thinking approach was not necessarily in identifying a solution, but rather in innovating how people worked together to envision and implement the new possibilities they discovered.

Chatting while you work

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 587-599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Stieve ◽  
Niamh Wallace
Keyword(s):  
User Needs ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Course Management ◽  
Assessment Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Chat Reference ◽  
Reference Service ◽  
Effort Assessment ◽  
The University

PurposeTo understand chat reference user needs at the University of Arizona Libraries, this study aims to analyze the differences in READ (Reference Effort Assessment Data) scores and content from two different chat reference origins: the library website and, course sites within the campus course management system, Desire2Learn.Design/methodology/approachThe authors have used a mixed methods approach, whereby ordinal regression has been performed on READ scores and grounded theory on chat transcripts in the analysis of themes. This content comparison offers insight into the variations of how and why users ask for help at different chat reference service points.FindingsThe results of the content comparison inform the understanding of the reasons behind library users’ needs and questions at various stages in their academic workflow. The analysis also has implications for future chat reference training, as well as underscores the need for continued integration of library services and resources into online educational technology systems.Practical implicationsThe findings support the importance of collocating research/reference support and course content, and underscore the value of library integration with course management systems. The analysis also serves as user-needs assessment data, with the potential to inform library services beyond reference, such as information literacy instruction or collection development.Originality/valueThis study aims to fill a gap in the literature by investigating differences in chat reference transcripts based on chat reference origin.

Formation of higher education (HE) learner identity among community college transfer students in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatrice Yan-yan Dang
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Community College ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Transfer Students ◽  
Community College Transfer ◽  
College Transfer ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Community College Transfer Students ◽  
Learner Identity ◽  
The University

PurposeThis study aims to explore the opportunities and constraints for learner identity formation among community college transfer students.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from four in-depth interviews with five transfer students across an academic year (i.e. 20 interviews in total). The first interview allowed the current researcher to explore the context of students' community college experiences and their first semester in the university. The second and third interview had two purposes: (1) to provide an opportunity for students to discuss their second semester experiences and (2) to understand the process of learner identity formation. The last interview allowed the students to reflect on their time in the university after studying for one year.FindingsThe findings reveal that higher education (HE) learner identity was nurtured by peer support, orientation activities and mentorship programme. While, striving for self-improvement and developing into an autonomous and active learner are essential in the formation of the HE learner identity in university.Originality/valueThis study represents the local students' voice that enrolling in community colleges with the goal of transferring to University Grant Committee (UGC)-funded universities. Transition is a process of change in the course of life and also a shift from one identity to another (Ecclestone et al., 2010). A smooth transition may contribute to the formation of positive learner identity, which is essential to student retention and persistence.

Personal librarian program for transfer students: an overview

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda MacDonald ◽  
Suchi Mohanty
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Transfer Students ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chapel Hill ◽  
Select Group ◽  
Personal Connections ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
The University

Purpose This paper aims to address the emergence of personal librarian programs and to discuss the development and implementation of the Personal Librarian for Transfer Students Program at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). Design/methodology/approach The literature is limited to research focused on personal librarians and programs. This paper examines the process by which the program was established at UNC-CH and includes a discussion about how campus and library buy-in was secured. Findings The response to the program has been positive. Survey responses and anecdotal feedback shows that the program resonates with a select group of transfer students. Originality/value This research provides an overview of an effective, sustainable way to forge personal connections with transfer students to support their academic development.

The transition toward open access: the University of Hong Kong experience

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 488-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gayle Rosemary Chan ◽  
Allan Shi-Chung Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Health Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Publication Data ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose While open access (OA) offers an alternative to the unsustainable pricing of serials and supports a core value of ensuring openness to knowledge, the perceived value of the impact of OA journals is still lacking consensus among stakeholders. This study is based on the analysis of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) research publication data within four broad disciplines – health science, life science, physical science and social science – and the purpose of this paper is to understand the perspectives and preferences of academic researchers around OA. The findings are useful to libraries in shaping their strategies for meeting the rising challenges of scholarly publishing. Design/methodology/approach Article publication data from HKU have been collected and analyzed with the purpose of exploring general OA trends and understanding authors’ incentives for publishing in OA journals. Findings The explosion in the number of OA journals in recent years has not only impacted on how libraries manage contents and budgets, but also on academic researchers’ choice of journals for submitting their articles for publication. This study conducted at the HKU indicated that academic researchers have a gradual tendency to shift toward publishing their work in OA journals, and interestingly, the shifts are to some extent discipline specific. Research limitations/implications The OA marketplace is currently undergoing a state of flux. The OA model of funding through article publication charges, process of peer review and reputation in the marketplace are under rapid development. Practical implications As OA journals take up a sizeable market share of the scholarly journal publishing market, libraries need to stay abreast of developments in the OA sector in order to respond to researcher needs. Understanding the thinking behind researcher’s decisions in choosing venue for submission of publications helps to advance research support services which the library offers. Social implications The change in researcher behavior prompted by the gravitation toward sharing of research contents in scholarly communication networks and broader choice of OA journals have resulted in a positive growth of OA articles publishing at the HKU. Originality/value This study is based on actual HKU publication data in the past ten years, and it is useful for understanding HKU researchers’ attitudes toward OA publications and in particular the longitudinal trends in shifting toward OA publishing within the context of the university’s open policy and within the global OA landscape.

scholarly journals Transfer student analysis and retention: a collaborative endeavor

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trudi Jacobson ◽  
John Delano ◽  
Linda Krzykowski ◽  
Laurie Garafola ◽  
Meghan Nyman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Retention ◽  
Transfer Students ◽  
Research University ◽  
Retention Rate ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Public Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Research University ◽  
The University ◽  
First Time

Purpose This paper aims to describe a multifaceted campus-wide initiative to retain transfer students that was undertaken when it was recognized that their retention rates were lower than those of first-time, full-time students. Design/methodology/approach The Enhancing Student Experience (ESE) Working Group at the University at Albany (UAlbany) brought together key parties from Student Affairs and academic units, including the University Libraries, and provided an energizing arena in which existing student engagement and retention endeavors were discussed and coordinated, and new initiatives were inspired. Findings This paper reflects the work of a subcommittee of the ESE group that focused on developing strategies to increase the retention rate of students who transferred to UAlbany, and identifying characteristics of those first-time, full-time students who transferred from UAlbany. The efforts discussed in this paper, which were guided by professional experiences, institutional data and published reports, resulted in a 2 per cent increase in the student retention rate in the past two years. Research limitations/implications The data collection and analysis, and the initiatives, are specific to one public research university. Practical implications Initiatives undertaken to address the retention of transfer students have begun to have an impact. Originality/value The “all-hands-on-deck” approach described in this paper demonstrates how strategic collaborations among the many institutional stakeholders at a public research university were marshalled to have a significant and positive impact on student retention.

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