Metric Four - Student Achievement Goals and Outcomes

Metric 4: Transfer GPA & Admissibility at USG Institutions

South Georgia State College (SGSC) has evolved its student support infrastructure in response to changing student needs and resource constraints. While the document doesn't specifically mention dedicated STEM or writing centers, it details several key support mechanisms: a professional advisor focused on at-risk students (including those on academic probation/suspension and VA students), the BOOST mindset initiative offering virtual workshops on learning strategies, and an innovative Advising Center program that integrates faculty and student success staff. The institution has adapted to budget limitations by leveraging digital resources like Tutor.com and Steppingblocks for career exploration while implementing a collaborative advising model requiring faculty to spend dedicated hours in the Advising Center. Notably, SGSC's approach emphasizes holistic support, with student success staff providing referrals, skills workshops, and addressing non-academic needs. The institution's data shows the effectiveness of these efforts, with retention rates improving from 46.3% in 2019 to 52.5% in 2024.

Metric	FY 2020	FY 2021	FY 2022	FY 2023	FY 2024	5-Year Average
Total Transfers
Total Students	384	406	245	184	215	287
Distribution by Institution Type
Research Universities	21	36	23	22	8	22
Comprehensive Universities	227	239	129	62	102	152
State Universities	72	84	42	40	55	59
State Colleges	64	47	51	60	50	54
GPA Performance
Last Term at SGSC	2.32	2.84	2.54	2.82	2.81	2.67
First Term After Transfer	2.79	2.78	2.98	3.18	3.19	2.98
Last Term of FY	2.46	2.70	2.97	3.05	3.01	2.84
Source: Data extracted from Qlik Sense Enterprise, University System of Georgia

Analysis and Evaluation of Metric 4

SGSC's transfer metrics from FY 2020-2024 reveal a dynamic pattern of student mobility and academic achievement, with total transfers peaking at 406 in FY 2021 before declining to 184 in FY 2023 and showing a modest recovery to 215 in FY 2024. While Comprehensive Universities remained the primary transfer destination despite significant fluctuations (239 to 62 students), State Universities and State Colleges maintained more stable transfer rates, averaging 59 and 54 students, respectively. Most notably, student academic performance consistently improved post-transfer, with average GPAs rising from 2.67 during their last term at SGSC to 2.98 in their first term after the transfer, culminating in a five-year average last-term GPA of 2.84, demonstrating SGSC's effectiveness in preparing students for academic success at their transfer institutions.