Policy in Theory and Policy in Practice: Community College Students' Perceptions of Cross-Enrollment. (7th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morales-Gracia, Maritza; Dorman, Joshua; Bañuelos, Maricela; Park, Elizabeth S.; Cabrera, Jennifer; Fagioli, Loris; Baker, Rachel B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of higher education. Volume 93:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 651
• Page End: 675
• Publication Date: 2022-06-07
• Subjects: Community colleges -- transfer -- cross-enrollment -- equity -- policy -- thematic analysis; Education -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Periodicals; 378
• DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2021.2010515
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1546

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Most community college (CC) students nationwide aspire to transfer from CC to a 4-year baccalaureate granting institution, yet most students who aspire to transfer never achieve this goal. Cross-enrollment, facilitated enrollment in a course at a four-year college while simultaneously enrolled in classes at a CC, is one policy that may increase transfer rates. Our study is motivated by low uptake of this opportunity. We conducted 12 semi-structured focus groups with a diverse sample of California CC students to understand their perceptions related to cross-enrollment opportunities. Three themes emerged from our study: (1) cross-enrollment information is inaccessible, (2) sense of belonging and self-efficacy influence student perceptions of cross-enrollment, and (3) cross-enrollment is met with both enthusiasm and apprehension. We discuss the challenges and benefits to cross-enrollment that students consider and several recommendations, suggested by students themselves, to reduce barriers to cross-enrollment and transfer pathways.