Using the New CAS Standards to Assess Your Transfer Student Programs and Services Janet Marling, Executive Director National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students Melissa Mahan, Associate Dean Student Affairs Northeastern State University 11 th Annual Conference ~ NISTS Frisco, Texas ~ February 1, 2013

Session Outline Brief Overview and History of CAS and General Standards Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services Assessment and the Standards for Transfer Student Programs and Services Questions Action Planning

Brief Overview and History of CAS and General Standards

Campuses Utilization of CAS Assessment Results Measure program and service results Institutional self-studies Preparation for accreditation Design of new programs

Campuses Utilization of CAS Assessment Results Staff development Academic preparation Credibility and accountability Strategic planning Budget allocation (Mable & Dean, 2006)

How do you anticipate using the new CAS standards and guidelines?

Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services

Development and associated challenges ◦ TSPS differ in centralization ◦ TSPS are influenced by external forces ◦ State approaches influence TSPS ◦ Students transfer to/from all types of institutions ◦ Collaborations pivotal ◦ What is the goal of these programs? Graduation? Transition? Student Success? Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services

Standard Overview ◦ Mission The mission of Transfer Student Programs and Services (TSPS) is to aid in the successful transfer, persistence, and graduation of transfer students. To accomplish the mission, TSPS must facilitate seamless pathways among and within institutions to support transfer students at all stages of their transitions. ◦ Program ◦ Organization and Leadership  TSPS cross-functional and divisional reporting lines must be located in the organizational department or division that can best provide effective programming and services for achievement of the mission. ◦ Human Resources  TSPS professional staff members must possess the skills and competencies needed to provide assistance to prospective and enrolled transfer students. Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services

Standard Overview ◦ Law, Policy and Governance  TSPS staff members must ensure that all transfer policies, including an appeals process, are publicly available for review prior to the student's commitment to transfer.  TSPS should encourage 2-year and 4-year institutions to collaborate in the development of policies and processes to reverse-award associate degrees to students. ◦ Diversity, Equity and Access  All transfer-related marketing and forms must clearly state student rights and responsibilities in the transfer process. Practices must be congruent with institutional policies on equal opportunity access. ◦ Institutional and External Relations  TSPS must develop and maintain collaborative relationships between sending and receiving institutions.  TSPS must develop and maintain a relationship with those responsible for the orientation of new students.  TSPS must be aware of governmental units responsible for laws, policies, and regulations relevant to transfer matriculation and maintain relationships with them. Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services

Standard Overview ◦ Financial Resources  TSPS should be funded at the same cost/student ratio as services for the institution's first-time, first-year student population. ◦ Technology  If the institution equips first-time first-year students with specific technology, then the institution should provide new transfer students with the same technology. ◦ Facilities and Equipment ◦ Assessment and Evaluation  TSPS must collaborate with appropriate partners to conduct research and collect data regarding transfer students. Results must be shared with students, staff, and faculty at both sending and receiving institutions. Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services

Program Section ◦ The formal education of students, consisting of the curriculum and the co-curriculum, must promote student learning and development outcomes that are purposeful, contribute to students’ realization of their potential, and prepare students for satisfying and productive lives. Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services

Transfer Student Programs and Services must: ◦ Serve as a contact ◦ Connect students ◦ Facilitate seamless transfer ◦ Advocate ◦ Inform ◦ Provide access ◦ Participate ◦ Collaborate Standards and Guidelines for Transfer Student Programs and Services

Assessment and the Standards for TSPS

Assessment allows us to: ◦ find out who your transfer students are; ◦ define a vision for transfer student success; ◦ review and assess current policies and procedures; ◦ evaluate current programs and create programs to support transfer student success; ◦ create new programs and services focused on the needs of transfer students; and ◦ evaluate the new programs through new institutional outcomes to ensure transfer student success.

Questions for consideration prior to executing an assessment plan What is the purpose for assessing your TSPS? How much do you want to know as a result of your assessment? Are there institutional/departmental agendas driving the assessment?

CAS recommended assessment process Assemble your team Educate your team Review current evidence of current practices and conduct rating process Complete an action plan Prepare assessment report Close the loop

Questions On the Process?

Brainstorming and Action Planning