Characteristics Related to the Success of the Transfer Program of the University of Wisconsin Center System

Abstract

The study attempted to obtain data concerning factors which contribute to the success of 2-year transfer institutions, by studying fifty-seven variables as they relate to a success variable, namely, mean grade-point aver ages (GPA) of students who transferred to the parent institution at a given time. All of Wisconsin's nine Center institutions participated in the study. Each institution was measured on fifty-eight variables, and a correlation matrix was computed. Important cor relations were noted between community variables and the dependent variable. The most important institutional type characteristic relating to success was Center library circulation. Characteristics related to urbanization were linked to certain positively-valued educational characteristics. Faculty research also correlated highly with success. The results may provide specific factors to be considered in planning 2-year transfer institutions. THE STUDY involved the identification of characteristics related to success of the transfer program of a state junior college system which operates as an arm of a major university. Fifty seven independent variables were examined, in cluding student, faculty, institutional, instruc tional, and community characteristics. The dependent, or success characteristic, was the cumulative first-year GPA of junior college stu dents after transfer to the 4-year institution. Characteristics were examined as they related to the criterion variable, and were also studied in relation to cluster formations.