1. Opening Up the Pathway to Graduate Education Lessons Learned from California State University (CSU) Students Linda DeAngelo, MA Doctoral Student/Research Analyst Glen T. Winans, PhD Assistant Dean

2. CSU Alumni Participation in UCLA Graduate Study From Fall 1992 thru Fall 2002: Over 3,300 CSU Students Admitted into UCLA Graduate Programs -34% of CSU Master’s Program Applicants Admitted with 73% Registered -25% of CSU Doctoral Applicants Admitted with 63% Registered CSU Registrants Comprised -16% of underrepresented Master’s Students @ UCLA -21% of underrepresented Doctoral Students @ UCLA

3. CSU Outreach Project Objectives Promote CSU Student Awareness of Graduate Study Promote CSU Student Preparation for Graduate Study Recruit Underrepresented CSU Students to UCLA Graduate Programs

4. CSU Outreach Project Activities Focused Outreach Activities At CSU Campuses Focused Outreach to CSU Student Groups Participation in CSU and UC/CSU Outreach Programs Research Initiatives

5. Research Questions How do students formulate graduate degreeHow do students formulate graduate degree aspirations? aspirations? How do student experiences at the CSU shapeHow do student experiences at the CSU shape aspirations and preparation? aspirations and preparation? What do students experience during their transition to graduate study? What are students’ suggestions for assisting more CSU students to pursue graduate study?

6. Student Sample Interviews Conducted July to November 2002 122 Interviews of CSU Alumni Enrolled in UCLA Master’s & PhD Programs - 65 PhD Students - 57 Masters Students Representing 17 CSU Campuses Enrolled in 41 Degree Programs @ UCLA

7. Student Demographics African American 6% Asian American/Pacific Islander 7% Latino/Mexican American18% Native American 2% White56% Decline to State11% Females65% Males35%

8. Formulating Aspirations Mentorship/EncouragementMentorship/Encouragement - Especially Important for First Generation and Underrepresented Students - Mentor Types “Talent Seekers” & “Accidental Assisters” Academic EngagementAcademic Engagement - Research Experiences & Internships Graduate School FundingGraduate School Funding

9. Role of CSU Faculty MentorshipFaculty Mentorship - Connecting Students to Enriching Experiences Research ExperiencesResearch Experiences - More Competitive, Better Understanding of Graduate School Environment and Application Process School Environment and Application Process Academic Environment at CSUAcademic Environment at CSU - Viewed as a Positive and a Negative McNair, Pre-Doctoral, & NSF ProgramsMcNair, Pre-Doctoral, & NSF Programs - Confirmed as Enriching Experiences

10. Transition Experiences at UCLA Students Felt Prepared to Enter and SucceedStudents Felt Prepared to Enter and Succeed - More Higher Level Academic Courses Helpful - Research Experiences & Faculty Interaction Important Common Adjustment & Transition IssuesCommon Adjustment & Transition Issues - Pace of Graduate School - Theoretical Orientation of Graduate School - Diversity of UCLA as Compared to CSU

11. Student Suggestions Increase Availability of Graduate School InfoIncrease Availability of Graduate School Info Greater Encouragement to Pursue Graduate SchoolGreater Encouragement to Pursue Graduate School Provide Information on Graduate School FundingProvide Information on Graduate School Funding Increase Exposure to Experiences that Enhance CompetitivenessIncrease Exposure to Experiences that Enhance Competitiveness Reinforce that CSU Students are Wanted and WelcomeReinforce that CSU Students are Wanted and Welcome

12. Conclusions: What We Learned CSU Provides Strong FoundationCSU Provides Strong Foundation Faculty Mentorship/Encouragement ImportantFaculty Mentorship/Encouragement Important Research Opportunities ValuableResearch Opportunities Valuable Graduate School Going Culture BeneficialGraduate School Going Culture Beneficial Proper Preparation Eases TransitionProper Preparation Eases Transition Importance of a Welcoming EnvironmentImportance of a Welcoming Environment

13. Implications for Practice Suggestions for CSU Reward Faculty Mentoring Promote Opportunities for Research & Extracurricular Involvement Engage Graduate School Culture Encourage Upper Level Academic Courses Facilitate Connections Between Undergraduate and Graduate Education

14. Implications for Practice Suggestions for UCLA Increase Awareness of Graduate Education Modify Faculty Perceptions Connect CSU Students w/ UCLA Faculty & Graduate Students Partner w/ CSU Campuses to Build Bridges in All Academic Disciplines Document Graduate Student Success