Transfer students are not as involved in schoolwork and college activities than other students, according to recent results from the National Survey of Student Engagement.
Kyle Bailey, a mechanical engineering sophomore, said transferring was easier than he thought, but said he did have some trouble adjusting.
"The transition was pretty easy," the transfer student from Howard University said. "But, I find myself less involved in campus activities because I'm a transfer student."
The survey is in its third year and was taken by 135,000 freshmen and seniors at 613 four-year colleges. Officials said there were no major shifts in national averages from previous years.
A survey by the National Survey of Student Engagement for two-year colleges is planned for the spring.
Tom Lemaster, a criminal justice sophomore, said he disagrees with the results of the study.
He transferred from Lawrence Technological Institute in Southfield and said he knew students at MSU and visited campus several times before transferring.
"I don't agree with the social aspect of that, but maybe they don't participate in clubs and activities because they don't have knowledge of them coming in," he said.
In the study, transfer students also reported lower engagement than students who had enrolled as freshmen according to the study.
"I don't feel any different because I'm a transfer student," said finance freshman Kelly Stabenow. "I came in from Grand Valley (State University) knowing a lot of friends here. The only thing I found difficult was that my credits didn't transfer. I'm just a regular student here."
Jim Cotter, senior associate director of admissions, said MSU had nearly 5,000 transfer applications for the fall semester 2002 and 1,633 transfer students at sophomore status or greater currently enrolled. Only 14 percent of all transfer students came in as freshmen and the majority are from Michigan.
"The more engaged transfer students are in establishing relationships and participating in residence life, the more successful they tend to be.
"It's certain that MSU values the role transfer students play in enrollment. They are an important part of the MSU community."
The study also reported that students who participated in diverse activities were more involved and active with their college experience.
McDonel Hall manager Chandos McCoy said he isn't aware of any differences between transfer students and other students.
He said McDonel Hall plans many activities such as international dinner nights and educational-based diversity events to involve all students and promote diversity.
"They are just as involved as any other student," he said. "With the diversity here, there is lots of programming that allows for the opportunity for them to be involved."
