PSU selected for national initiative to boost transfer student success

Portland State University is proud to announce its selection to participate in Cohort 4 the Transfer Student Success Intensive, a prestigious initiative led by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program (Aspen) and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). This year-long program empowers colleges and universities to improve outcomes for transfer students through data-driven strategies, peer learning, and expert guidance.

Cohort 4 includes 10 teams comprising 10 four-year institutions and 13 community colleges from 10 states. The PSU team will collaborate with Portland Community College to create sustainable transfer strategies designed to serve our unique student populations.

“Portland State is honored to be part of this initiative and to continue working closely with Portland Community College building pathways to student success," said PSU President Ann Cudd. "At the heart of our mission is ensuring equitable access to education, and through collaboration with our community college partners, we are committed to creating sustainable and inclusive pathways that empower transfer students and foster success for all."

Supported by Ascendium, the Transfer Student Success Intensive focuses on increasing economic mobility and talent development by streamlining transfer processes. Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has served more than 16,000 transfer students across 23 states and 91 colleges. Cohort 4 will build on these successes by implementing innovative strategies tailored to support underrepresented student populations.

“The Transfer Intensive is a hands-on program that gives institutions research and proven practices that help them reimagine and improve their transfer pathways,” said Tania LaViolet, director of research and innovation at the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

For more information about the Transfer Student Success Intensive, visit the program's website.