Issue
27(2)
Transitions:
A guide for the transfer student.
(2008).
Susan B. Weir, Belmont, CA: Thomson
Wadsworth. 192
pp., $ 24.26. (paperback), ISBN #
9781413022790
Review
by: Mandy Anderson
Arts
& Sciences
Kent
State University
Susan
B. Weir’s Transitions: A Guide for the Transfer Student
is a slim volume filled with information advisors instructing
orientation classes specifically designed for transfer students
would find useful. Her tone is upbeat, keeping a positive, can-do
attitude throughout the piece. It reads quickly and covers all
aspects of transitioning to a new college. Special attention is
given to the unique struggles nontraditional transfer students
may face. It should be noted that Weir intends this book for use
by upper-class transfer students.
Overall,
the book itself is quite useful. The first portion of the piece
would likely prove to be the most helpful to both advisor/instructor
and student. Transfer students are explained as a population,
as is the term transfer shock and how to avoid it. Additionally,
information is given that all students would find useful: study
skills, time management, and financial concerns. The latter portion
of the book addresses topics that would likely appeal to upper-class
students preparing for life after graduation. Career planning
and adjusting to life after college are the topics that comprise
the last few chapters. These are areas that would appeal to Weir’s
intended audience of upper-class students.
The
orientation instructor who opts to use this book as the basis
for a transfer orientation class will find that much of the basic
prep work is complete. Weir states she kept the book short so
instructors could add content specific to their college or university.
Each chapter begins with a listing of learning objectives for
the section as well as a short quiz that helps students identify
areas for special attention. In addition to the traditional content,
Weir has inserted sidebars that offer supplemental information
students may find helpful. One such sidebar explains the different
faculty titles, ranging from adjunct through full professor. These
are titles many college students hear without being entirely certain
of their meaning. The chapters all conclude with a journal assignment,
summary, and case study. The case studies would be conducive to
a classroom conversation summarizing the theme of the chapter
and allowing students to share personal experiences.
The
growing population of transfer students may find that this text
helps them better adjust to their new college environment. Although
the traditional student may find some of the information intended
for nontraditional students a bit extraneous, one should credit
Weir for successfully addressing the needs of a broad range of
students. For its small size, the book covers a number of pertinent
issues that apply to our diverse student population.
