Publication Date

Spring 5-12-2025

Document Type

Action research project: Open access

Degree Name

MA Higher Education Leadership

Department

Leadership Studies

Abstract

In many universities, student affairs programming is primarily designed with traditional students in mind which often overlooks the unique needs of transfer students. This study aims to examine how current USD orientation programming impacts the sense of belonging for transfer students. The central question guiding this research is: How can the sense of belonging for transfer students be improved? The study consisted of three cycles: a focus group conducted during OLÉ Weekend, a survey administered during National Transfer Week, and interviews held during Spring Orientation. The outcomes suggest that transfer students value identity-affirming events, early peer connections, and consistent engagement beyond the first week. My recommendation for the Office of New Student Programs is to increase the number of these events before, during, and after orientation to better support the integration of transfer students into the USD community.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND License.

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