Strengthening the Community College Transfer Sending Culture

In a time of racial reckoning, economic upset and social uncertainty, the development of a framework that defines what it means to be a transfer sending community college is imperative to our role in education and community change. Through the examination of transfer partnership models, critical race theory and a social justice lens, transfer services is in the process of transformation. The success of minority transfer students in higher education is reliant upon the recognition that higher education was never designed to support minority students (Jain, Melendez, Herrera 2020). There is a transfer imperative that must be addressed and equal access and opportunity to an education needs to be considered a right for all (Gardner, Rosenberg, Koch, 2021). Through the development of strategic partnerships with 4-year institutions, community college students can experience a seamless transfer process where they arrive at their transfer institution, already feeling a strong connection and sense of belonging. It also involves the integration of the work of transfer into various academic and student affairs departments at the community college (Yeh, Wetzstein, 2020). Effective management of these relationships requires the development or utilization of technology systems. These systems can help track student engagement within and outcomes for university partnerships with community colleges. As a result, efficacy of the partnerships and a practice of continuous improvement can be implemented, to ensure we provide our students with the tools and opportunities that lead towards long-term academic and career success.

This session will provide a brief overview of the components that make up a transfer framework and the lessons learned regarding implementation:
- Why there is a need to develop a transfer framework
- How the framework supports the strategic plans of an institution
- Development of systems and best practices to support and strengthen university partnerships
- Lessons learned from the implementation a transfer framework in a multi-system institution
Gaining buy-In of faculty and staff, so that everyone understands their role in transfer student success

Gardner, John, Rosenberg, Michael J., and Koch, Andrew K. (2021). The Transfer Experience: A Handbook for Creating a More Equitable and Successful Postsecondary System. Sterling, VA. Stylus Publishing, LLC

Jain, D., Melendez Bernal, S., & Herrera, A. (2020). Power to the Transfer: Critical Race Theory and a Transfer Receptive Culture. Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University Press. https://msupress.org/9781611863437/power-to-the-transfer/

Yeh, T. L. (2020). A Continuum of Transfer Partnerships: Toward Intentional Collaborations to improve Transfer Outcomes. New Directions for Community Colleges, 21-35.

Which one or two theme(s) best describe the presentation? Academic, Institutional and External Partnerships, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

What Professional Application does this sessions apply to? Participants will learn about how the framework for transfer services at City Colleges of Chicago was developed and how it has impacted our partnerships with four-year institutions. Lessons learned from our implementation so far and tips for developing an equity-focused student success model for transfer will be discussed.

Presentation Begins:

Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 11:15 AM Eastern Time

Presented By:

Shelley Lemons, City Colleges of Chicago
Amanda Williams City Colleges of Chicago