Transfer Velocity Project
Documentation of successful transfer practices including effective transfer strategies and quantitative research on transfer volume and rates including assessing the impact of student services, course-taking patterns, transfer readiness and preparedness, and demographics.
The Transfer Velocity Project (also known as the Transfer Leadership Center) is the most comprehensive study to date of two-to-four-year transfer in California. Awarded in 2007 by the California Community College State Chancellor’s Office, the study investigates and increases our understanding of the full spectrum of factors, interventions, strategies, and practices that have a positive impact on transfer. TVP includes three components: a literature review, quantitative analysis, and qualitative research.
The literature review includes more than 100 references on transfer issues and practices grouped under three major categories: the role of student demographic and academic preparation; community college programs and strategies affecting transfer; and inter-segmental strategies and policies affecting transfer and the role of the state.
The research and analysis components began by identifying colleges with consistently higher-than-expected transfer rates, based on a cohort study conducted by the State Chancellor’s Office of the California Community Colleges. The study followed three cohorts, the last of which began their community college enrollment in 2000-01, and all were followed through 2005-06. The top seven-rated transfer colleges, which encompassed diverse settings and enrollment profiles, were selected for site visits. Each site visit included an average of 15-16 interviews and four focus groups, with a combined average participation of 46 individuals who were selected to provide a range of different perspectives on the full spectrum of factors, interventions, strategies and practices that affect transfer at each college. Finally, case studies and a cross-case analysis were written to document effective transfer practices.
TVP research has been conducted by the Chancellor’s Office, the RP Group's Center for Student Success, and California Partnership for Achieving Student Success (Cal-Pass). The study is administered by Santa Barbara City College and guided by an Advisory Committee including leading experts on transfer.
Click on the links to the left to access resources developed by this project.
Eva Schiorring, Project Coordinator
