Uncovering The Programs, Policies, and Practices That Disrupt Disparities in Transfer From Community College to University Among Rural Learners

This research is designed to investigate the factors influencing transfer decisions to address the unique challenges faced by students living in rural areas with limited higher education options. The goal of the research is to gain a clearer understanding of the experiences of rural learners with intersecting identities by exploring the specific barriers posed by distance and other obstacles, identifying strategies that facilitate their transfer, and examining how resources provided by colleges and communities in rural university deserts impact students’ likelihood of and experiences with transfer. Ultimately, through this project, we aim to answer the primary research question: what policies and practices increase transfer rates among students attending community colleges in rural university deserts? To answer our primary research question, we will more deeply explore areas previously documented to be related to the influence of distance on enrollment. Through a robust mixed-methods study of the experiences of transfer-intending students in rural university deserts, we will seek to determine:

1. What specific factors drive the transfer decisions of rural learners in university deserts?
2. What specific factors facilitate transfer and break the barriers of distance and other identified obstacles for rural learners?
3. What resources can colleges and communities in rural university deserts offer students to help them transfer?
4. How do the intersecting identities of students in rural university deserts (notably race/ethnicity, income, and first-generation status) relate to the aforementioned questions?

Project Team Information

Lead(s): Dr. Daisy Segovia, Alyssa Nguyen

Team Member(s): Dr. Katie Brohawn, Dr. Darla Cooper, Dr. Kate Mahar, Dr. Rogeair Purnell

Advisory Members (Name, Position, Organization at the time of membership):

• Dr. Dustin Acres, Associate Professor, Mathematics Division, Porterville College
• Marisol Cuellar Mejia, Senior Fellow, PPIC Higher Education Center
• Julia Cunningham, Program Officer, ECMC Foundation
• Dr. Fabio González, EOPS Director/Counselor, San Jose City College, CCEOPSA
• Marisa Johnson, Director of Policy Impact, Campaign for College Opportunity
• Dr. Laura Lara-Brady, Senior Project Manager, West Ed Center for Economic Mobility
• Mike Le, Director of Institutional Research, Analytics, & Reporting, Cal Poly Humboldt
• Mariana Macamay, Transfer Center Coordinator, Crafton Hills College
• Dr. Siria Martinez, Assistance Vice Chancellor of Student Equity and Success, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
• Tim Morehouse, Guided Pathways Lead Regional Coordinator North/Far North, Foundation for California Community College Opportunity
• Mayra Nunez Martinez, Graduate Student Researcher, UC Davis
• Mayra Puente, Associate Professor, Higher Ed, UC Santa Barbara
• Jaclyn Randall, Student Success Manager, Palo Verde College
• Jerry Reyes, CCC Student Senate Liaison, SSCCC, Reedley College
• Stephanie Sowl, Program Officer, ECMC Foundation
• Dr. Kevin Walthers, Superintendent/President Allan Hancock College
• Sean Whaley, Director of Institutional Research, Planning, and Effectiveness, Feather River College
• Caitlin Wheetley, CCC Student Senate Liaison, SSSCC, College of the Redwoods

Funder(s):
ECMC Foundation