This convenience sample was not intended as a controlled experiment. The responses are summarized here to provide an exploratory view of the range of transfer programs across responding institutions. About a third of campuses reported that they do not have special support programs for transfer students. A belief that transfer students need the same support as all other students and that need is already met with current orientation and support programs. A majority of campuses did report having special support programs for transfer students.
Responses divide into five types of programs for transfer students.
A majority of 4-year institutions had exclusive orientation programs. None of the 2-year institutions offered exclusive orientation for transfer students. The special tracks and sessions reported were mostly to accommodate transfer student needs for transcript evaluation and academic advising within academic departments. None of the 2-year institutions reported a special orientation for transfer students, although some noted that they do have students who enter their institutions after a poor experience at a senior institution or as a mature student returning to higher education after stopping out. One institution's report highlights how orientation sometimes needs to be uniquely devised to meet specific group needs.