Bryan Clark

MAY 3, 2007

Challenges of Transferring

University success a challenge for junior college transfer students."Moving from 18 week semesters to 10 week quarters is one of the toughest ordeals facing transfer students," according to Janina Montero, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs at UCLA."Students are unprepared for the rapid pace of the quarter system and realize time management skills are a necessity."University of California data shows statewide transfer admissions are 20% of the total undergraduate enrollment, with over 90% coming from community colleges."With greater numbers of students taking the community college to UC route, we have had to reassess the programs and services offered to new UCLA students.That's our challenge."

Although most students in junior colleges believe they can be self reliant it takes more than just a positive attitude to do so. "My first semester after transferring to UCSB I was totally lost," said Evan Yale, former MoorparkCollege student. "Learning to get along with my roommates, preparing most of my own meals and staying focused on my homework were the most challenging."Ellen Lai transferred from PierceCollege to UCLA last fall."I couldn't believe how fast my classes were going.I mean, I was really glad I decided to only take 12 units.I don't know how I'm going to keep this up and find time for a job next quarter."

Students need to prepare in order to succeed."Academic preparation is the most important factor in making the transition from JC to university," says Cary Porter, Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs at UCLA."Students come to UCLA thinking they know what they want to major in and find out half way through their first quarter they hate it.That is why we have stepped up our efforts on getting the resources available to transferring students out there."UCLA has developed the Transfer Student Services office to support the influx of transfer students.Jose Flores, co-chair of STOMP and transfer student at UCLA says, "Transfer students have different challenges.You aren't a freshman, but the whole University thing is brand new.STOMP [Student Transfer Opportunity & Mentor Program] was started by transfer students to help the new transfers coming in adjust to the University way of life, I know it helped me."

However some students feel their community college days were enough preparation."Moorpark helped me developed the work ethic I needed along with the responsibility of learning to juggle a busy agenda," said former Moorpark student Dillon Weiderman. "The transition wasn't very difficult for me but if I didn't attend Moorpark, I don't think I would be having the level of success at the 4 year college level as I am now. My best advice that I give students transferring from a 2 year college to a 4 year university is to be open minded and be prepared to work."