College After Transfer: A Survey of the Curricular Experiences of General College Students Who Transfer Within the University

Abstract

In the spring of 1994, 241 former General College (GC) students who were enrolled in other University of Minnesota (U of MN) colleges were surveyed about their experiences in courses after transfer. The survey asked students to compare features of their current courses to their GC courses, to describe the skills they currently use in courses, and to offer suggestions for how the college curriculum and advising might be changed to facilitate transfer. Students rated their current courses as more difficult than their GC courses. They reported doing more homework, especially reading, and feeling more challenged in their current coursework. They reported that their current courses required them to read textbooks and other academic materials, take tests, and write papers and reports. The types of reading, test questions, and writing assignments varied across majors. In general, students in engineering majors reported academic experiences that were different from those of other groups and included more computing, group work, and laboratory reports. Students responses to the open ended questions suggested that most students were satisfied with their experiences in GC. However, a significant minority expressed dissatisfaction and recommended curricular changes. Students also stressed the importance of careful course planning and recommended improvements in advising.