The Bridge to Transfer Program

The Bridge to Transfer Program is for Queensborough Community College students who are double-exempt from the ACT and who indicate they plan to transfer to Queens College or who have indicated Queens College as their first choice. All students in the program take courses during their first year in Learning Communities. Following the first semester they are also strongly encouraged to register for courses in Learning Communities. Bridge to Transfer emphasizes interdisciplinarity, collaborative learning and project-based instruction. Students are expected to take a freshman seminar, and in subsequent semesters, time is set aside for faculty to meet with students and with counselors to discuss student issues. Throughout, students take part in co-curricular and enrichment activities facilitated by program faculty. The capstone course, in the semester before graduation, will offer students an opportunity to engage in meaningful reflection, synthesize learning from personal, academic, and professional contexts, and plan for the future.

During the Spring 2005 semester, there are two learning communities offered for B2T students: “Literature and Philosophy: Examining Texts, Examining Life,” which combines College Composition II: Introduction to Literature with Introduction to Philosophy; and “Rebel, Rebel: Conformity and Rebellion in American Literature & History” which combines Introduction to Literature with Growth of American Civilization I: Colonial Period Through Reconstruction. Students will have the opportunity to attend a production of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, as an enrichment activity. Prior to the performance, faculty will host a Bridge to Transfer student reception. While enjoying refreshments, one of our faculty, Professor Shannon Kincaid, will discuss with students various dimensions of the play and encourage students to critically examine, among others, themes discussed in class. Following the show, student performers will talk to Bridge to Transfer students about what it was like for them to take on the roles of various characters.

During the Fall, 2005 semester, Learning Community offerings will include: “Connecting the Dots: Writing, Politics, Orwell and …. Utopias?” which will combine Introduction to Composition and American Government and Politics; and “Humans: How They (and Their Texts) Behave,” which combines Introduction to Composition and Psychology. In addition to other enrichment activities, students will take part in a visit and tour of Queens College and will meet Queens faculty, mostly in the humanities.

The Learning Communities provide transition for students to the third semester research course, which, in addition to Writing Intensive courses, will provide them with one of their final English courses before the Capstone experience. We are currently developing a plan of design for Electronic Portfolios. The Capstone experience will incorporate all the components of Bridge to Transfer as well as e-portfolios.

The Bridge to Transfer Program, derived from the General Education initiative, is a pedagogical laboratory that explores effective teaching methods and practices. It is provides students with quality general education in preparation for study at four-year colleges. Through significant exposure to counseling and faculty mentoring, students are encouraged to complete their AA degree before transfer as this correlates with higher rates of success at senior institutions.