As VWCC assessment staff began to analyze the data, an odd coincidence gave birth to an idea for a more reciprocal reporting relationship. So VWCC provided a DBase file on these students to Radford's assessment office. The data from Radford revealed some important results. VWCC transfer students in general did very well at Radford. By studying both general trends and individual student records, it was concluded that transfer patterns are much more complex than had been anticipated.
Students move back and forth between institutions for a variety of reasons.
Further research is needed, but if this conclusion proves to be true, it could have profound implications for both VWCC and Radford. The exchange of information about transfer students is the first of many collaborative efforts being planned to enhance the student outcomes assessment programs of VWCC and Radford. Both institutions have used the ETS Academic Profile to assess general education outcomes, and some longitudinal studies are being considered. Radford's alumni questionnaire may be revised to collect new information for community colleges. Finally, collaboration in the development of departmental assessment projects will be explored.