A study by Emerson LaCroix and Janice Aurini from the University of Waterloo has investigated the concept of “transfer shock”—difficulties faced by students when transferring institutions—in Ontario transfer students, and provided several recommendations to mitigate its effects. The authors of the study propose that the “shock” is actually several academic and social “jolts” that students experience as they navigate their new school. Common academic jolts included difficulties navigating administrative systems and adapting to new assessment and learning expectations. The authors found that while the academic jolts appeared to subside within the first semester, social jolts—like navigating existing social groups—persisted longer. The authors recommend that institutions provide more proactive guidance from academic advisors and increase social supports for transfer students.
