An Exploratory Case Study: The Saint Paul College Transfer Center

Author

Gina R. Boeckermann, St. Cloud State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2008

Culminating Project Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Higher Education Administration: M.S.

Department

Educational Administration and Higher Education

College

School of Education

First Advisor

Christine Imbra

Second Advisor

Michael Mills

Third Advisor

Debra Japp

Keywords and Subject Headings

Higher Education, Transfer Students, Transfer, Post-Secondary Education, Transfer Experiences, Transfer Center

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed-method study was to examine how the Saint Paul College Transfer Center is used by students of different genders, ages, and ethnic groups. Since its implementation in January 2006, the Saint Paul College Transfer Center has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study also explored the transfer experiences of students who accessed the Saint Paul College Transfer Center. The study included an eleven question survey administered to 122 Saint Paul College transfer students. In addition, seven one-on-one interviews provided personal stories and insights shared by students.

The survey results indicated that students in the age range of 18-25 and female students were the typical transfer student at Saint Paul College. In addition, half were minority students and an overwhelming majority, 77.9%, of the participants lived in the suburban areas of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Of the 122 survey participants, 50 transferred to Saint Paul College and 109 intended to transfer from Saint Paul College to another institution. In addition, 69 of the 122 survey participants had visited the Saint Paul College Transfer Center. In addition, 19 of the 122 transfer students are concurrently enrolled at another institution. The survey participants who visited the Transfer Center had a more a positive advising experience and transfer experience at Saint Paul College compared to those participants who had not visited the Transfer Center. Finally, the findings of the interviews revealed that five of the seven had a positive transfer experience at Saint Paul College.

Comments/Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my husband, Aaron, for all his support and encouragement during these past 2 years. Without his reassurance, understanding, and patience, I don't know if I would be where I am today.

I also want to thank my parents and family for instilling in me the importance of an education. They have also taught me to never give up; no matter what the circumstances.

I would also like to thank my cohort, especially Inge and Karen. I~ the dictionary a cohort may mean a companion or associate, but to me it means encouragement, support, strength, motivation, and most importantly, friendship.

Lastly, I would like to thank my professors for their constant understanding and for all those email responses to "I just have one more question."

Recommended Citation

Boeckermann, Gina R., "An Exploratory Case Study: The Saint Paul College Transfer Center" (2008). Culminating Projects in Higher Education Administration. 83.
https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/hied_etds/83