Using Idea Flow Theory to Understand Levers for Change in 2- to 4-year STEM Transfer Between Wisconsin Public Institutions

The University of Wisconsin - Madison's HHMI Inclusive Excellence project aims to increase the number and diversity of students graduating with STEM bachelor's degrees in the state of Wisconsin by transforming policies and practices to support transfer from the state's 16 two-year technical colleges to its 14 four-year universities. Across the nation and in Wisconsin approximately 39% of students start their journey to a bachelor's degree at a community college (NCES, 2015) and these students are more likely to be first-generation, identify with a minoritized racial-ethnic group, and come from low income households (Crisp, 2017).

The two public higher education systems in Wisconsin are governed independently and each institution is in a unique context. To make connections and facilitate collaboration between the two systems and between individual institutions, we developed a novel framework of shared values and a four-part process (connect, reflect, learn, and act) to establish and align our project goals and priorities. We based our framework on the literature on transfer student success (Aspen, 2016; CCRC, 2021) and customized it with input from partners across the state to build ownership and collaborative relationships.

Our original project proposal included specific aims to support STEM students and the faculty and advisors who work with them and to change transfer policies and procedures to address known barriers. Our project leadership group operates as an Adaptive Network of individuals that does not necessarily have positional power but is aware of transfer needs. This group interacts with Hierarchical Networks at the system and institutional levels to integrate change into existing structures. Through forensic mapping we are documenting what is actually happening in our work and we are using Idea Flow Theory (Sharp, 2019) to identify and understand the skills and strategies being used that have led to setbacks and successes to guide future planning.