Transfer Velocity Project
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.
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.
Summaries of Study Findings
The following links provide summaries of the TVP and its findings.
Key Findings | January 2010
Streaming Presentation of Study Findings | Fall 2009
Case Studies
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Fall 2008
The qualitative study identified six transfer-promoting factors researchers found at seven colleges with consistently higher-than-expected transfer rates. A cross-case overview analysis and seven detailed case studies of colleges with higher-than-expected transfer rates are downloadable from the links below.
Transfer Practices Literature Review
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Spring 2008
Transfer has been a central mission in American community colleges since their inception. Understanding the success of the transfer mission as it relates to student academic preparation; institutional and organizational structures, strategies and practices; intersegmental programs; and state policies has been a continuing quest over the several past decades. This document presents the findings of an extensive review of literature on transfer issues and practices spanning over 100 references. The main purpose for this project is to identify practices that enhance the successful transfer of students from community colleges to four-year institutions.
