Transfer pathways: A critical phenomenological study of Latinx community college students’ experience

Abstract

This phenomenological study aims to understand the lived experience of Latinx transfer students as they navigate through the transfer process from a California community college to four-year universities in California. Research on the transfer pathway focused on Latinx students' intent to transfer, but struggle to do so, tackling equity gaps, and institutional barriers that prevent Latinx students from transferring. The researcher used interviews to better understand the Latinx perspectives of the transfer process. A purposive sample technique was used to recruit nine Latinx community college students from a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in a large metropolitan area in Southern California. LatCrit theory was used to analyze the data and gain an understanding of the transfer experience as Latinx students navigate through the transfer process and any indications of oppression and marginalization. Five themes emerged: challenges are associated with the transfer process, support and resources are critical for a successful transfer experience, students are responsible for meeting transfer requirements, students feel a sense of belonging, and accomplishments, goals, and inspiring others encourages students to be motivated to succeed. This research will hopefully shed light on the Latinx students' transfer experience and offer insight into improving the transfer and degree attainment rates.