Through the Gate Transfer Initiative

This research initiative focused on identifying ways to increase transfer for a “high-leverage” group of community college students: those who are close to transfer but have not yet made it to university. This study reimagined how we understand and address the transfer challenge in California. Rather than focusing solely on end outcomes, the project centered on immediate, actionable opportunities to improve student transitions to university, strengthen baccalaureate production, and advance social and economic mobility—particularly for students from historically underrepresented communities. At the core of this work is the recognition that transfer is not a single moment, but a journey undertaken by a diverse and varied group of students. When examined through a more nuanced lens, a transfer continuum emerges, reflecting students at different points along their transfer path: Transfer Explorers, Momentum Students, Students Near the Gate, Students At the Gate, and Transfer Achievers who successfully make it through the gate.

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Project Team Information

Lead(s): Dr. Darla Cooper; Alyssa Nguyen

Team Member(s): Priyadarshini Chaplot, Dr. Kristen Fong, Kelley Karandjeff, Dr. Andrew Kretz, Dr. Kay Nguyen, Tim Nguyen, Dr. Rogéair D. Purnell, Dr. Diane Rodriguez-Kiino, Eva Schiorring, Dr. Tymika Wesley

Advisors (Name, Position, Organization at the time of advisement):

• Dr. Greg Aycock, Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, Norco College
• Dr. Rachel Baker, Assistant Professor, School of Education, University of California, Irvine
• Dr. Loren Blanchard ,Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, California State University Chancellor's Office
• Dr. Sonya Christian, President, Bakersfield College
• Dr. Erik Cooper, Dean of Planning, Research and Resource Development, Sierra College/ The RP Group Board President
• Debra David, Give Students a Compass Program Director (Emeritus), California State University Chancellor's Office
• Beth Freedman, Health Education Department Chair, Metro Academy of Health Coordinator, City College of San Francisco
• Dr. Janet Fulks, Biology Faculty, Bakersfield College Marie Harris Dean of Instruction, Reedley College
• Dr. Kathy Hart, Superintendent/President, San Joaquin Delta College
• Mainou Her, Transfer and Career Counselor, College of the Sequoias
• Dr. John Hetts, Visiting Executive, Research and Data, California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office
• Dr. Ellen Junn, President, California State University, Stanislaus Dr. Frank Lamas Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, California State University, Fresno
• Debra Louie ,Counselor/Professor, San Joaquin Delta College
• Dr. Shari McMahan, Provost, California State University, San Bernardino
• Kathy Molloy Guided Pathways Project Director, The RP Group
• Mariana Moreno, Transfer Center Coordinator, Crafton Hills College
• David Nguyen, Student, University of California Los Angeles; Founder and Director, CC2PhD
• Bob Quinn, Transfer and Articulation Specialist, California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
• Jessie Ryan, Executive Vice President, Campaign for College Opportunity
• Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna, Vice President of Instruction, College of the Sequoias
• Dr. John Stanskas, Vice President, Academic Senate for California Community Colleges Chemistry Faculty, San Bernardino Valley College
• Dr. James Todd, Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Instruction and Planning, San Joaquin Delta College
• Dr. Andrea Venezia,  Executive Director, EdInsights Center Associate Professor, Public Policy and Administration, California State University, Sacramento
• Dr. Lisa Wilkins, Vice President of Student Services, San Joaquin Delta College

Funders(s):
College Futures Foundation, ECMC Foundation, and Lumina Foundation