Guardian Scholars Fieldwork - Transfer Checklist
- Jasmine Nguyen
- Nov 1, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 2, 2021
Date: November 1, 2021
Description: I worked with program specialists Cristina Crouth and Tina Rodgers to create a new tracking system for students to store their transfer application information. The goal of the document was to help students keep all their application information in one space, such as log-in information for the Cal State Apply portal or notes on different programs offered at each institution.
Learning Domains Addressed (Labels):
Education
Assessment & Evaluation
Personal Development
Learning Outcomes:
Evidence:
Reflection:
SLO #1: SWiBAT reflect on program sustainability with feedback from GS specialist
I worked with program specialists Cristina Crouth and Tina Rodgers to create a new tracking system for students to store their transfer application information. The goal of the document was to help students keep all their application information in one space, such as log-in information for the Cal State Apply portal or notes on different programs offered at each institution. As a student affairs practitioner, I quickly find the fastest and easiest solution to supporting students. My initial idea was to create a database for students to find information quicker, like what institution had support programs for fostered youth.
Cristina and Tina were very gracious in saying my idea was good. However, it wasn't sustainable. After I completed my fieldwork at Guardian Scholars, who would be responsible for updating the database every year to ensure accuracy? Programs, application deadlines, and requirements constantly change each year. Personnel resources are very slim in Guardian Scholars, and keeping a database up to date takes many labor hours that the program does not have. Cristina and Tina showed me how empowering it is for students to become critical thinkers and navigators of information. They reminded me that our students are not with us forever. Therefore once they transfer to the next institution, they will need to interrupt and find information. The skills go beyond academia and will serve students through the rest of their lives. I used this conversation and built an application tracker centered on student exploration.
SLO #2: SWiBAT create a digital tracking and information storage tool for GS students applying for transfer by November 1st.
This tracker guided students to assess the university beyond the coursework and included exploring support groups, housing options, transportation options, and the ability to evaluate part-time job markets. I intended to support student success through outcomes that would lead to their living stability, happiness, and making decisions for themselves instead of focusing on dominant definitions of student success like majors or graduation rates (Smithers, 2019). I built this tracker on Google Sheets, a free and accessible program students are familiar with. I split the tracker into sheets where students can duplicate as many times to meet the number of institutions they are interested in applying to.
Sheet 1: Transfer Checklist (See File GS Transfer Checklist)
This sheet stores all of the student information from OCC and log-in information for FAFSA/California Dream Act, Cal State Apply, and UC Admissions. In addition, this sheet includes transfer application resources by OCC Transfer Center, CSU Transfer Resource, and UC Transfer Resource. I created this page to keep track of passwords and for any supporters who may be helping GS students apply. We acknowledge that we are not the only supporters in our scholars' lives in the GS office. They may be getting additional application support from social workers, family members, or other support groups.
Sheet 2 - infinity: University Exploration (See File University Exploration)
I created this sheet to be duplicated depending on how many institutions the student is applying to. This sheet is broken into 3 phases and includes additional items to complete depending on the institution. It contains words and color prompts to guide students through different sections of the sheet quickly. In Phase 1 (Fall), students go through the application process by meeting with academic counselors and GS specialists to explore university options. In Phase 2 (Spring), we discuss finances, housing, transportation, parking, and childcare options. It challenges students to explore the institution's surrounding area and evaluate if it is affordable. Can they find a job in this area? What are available housing options? If you plan on taking public transportation, what options are there? Do you need child care? Although an institution may be desirable, scholars need to think about living conditions and how they plan to meet their shelter/food needs. In Phase 3(end of Spring/Summer), we walk students through acceptance processes, file for graduation, and request transcripts. At the end of the academic year, students can be overwhelmed with excitement to graduate and miss deadlines for their next institution. This area ensures students know what deadlines are approaching and how they can plan on completing items.
References or Sources:
Smithers, L. E. (2019). How should institutions redefine and measure student success? Student success as liberal education escapes definition and measurement. In P. M. Magolda, M. B. Baxter Magolda, and R. Carducci (Eds.), Contested issues in troubled times: Student affairs dialogues on equity, civility, and safety. Stylus Publishing.
Question: What are some questions you reflect on before diving into new/unknown situations? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
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