Research Symposium

BIO

Oluwatosin Gbadamosi is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. She is interested in neuroscience, medicine, and understanding how biological and social factors influence human behavior and decision-making.

Oluwatosin is currently involved in a collaborative research project examining transfer student perceptions and barriers related to enrollment in IDS 3003, a course designed to support transfer student transition and success at Florida State University. Through this project, she has contributed to developing interview questions, participating in focus group research, and analyzing qualitative data to better understand how transfer students view institutional support programs.

Outside of research, Oluwatosin is interested in mentorship, community involvement, and continuing to grow her academic and professional skills. She hopes to gain additional research experience during her undergraduate studies while preparing for a future career in medicine. After graduation, she plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a neurosurgeon.

Looking Beyond the Eye: Transfer Student Narratives on Opting Out of IDS3003

Abstract

Florida State University (FSU) offers a course designed to help new transfer students adjust to campus culture, connect with peers and mentors, and build academic skills, IDS 3003: Transfer Connections and Success. However, a number of eligible transfer students choose not to enroll, raising questions about student awareness and perceptions of the course. This qualitative study examined transfer students’ perceptions of IDS 3003 and investigate factors influencing their decision to opt out of enrolling. Using two semi-structured focus group, data was collected from 10 transfer students who enrolled at FSU during the Summer and Fall 2025 semesters but did not enroll in IDS 3003. From this, we’re managing to gather in-depth comprehension into the students’ perception of the course. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring patterns from the interviews. The findings from this study provide a better understanding of the perceptions of the course, their decision making process, and student rationale for non-enrollment. The implications for this study provide improved marketing and recruitment strategies. Creating more informed decision making and an increase of enrollment for future transfer students and IDS 3003.

Keywords: Transfer Students, Student Success, Higher Education, Student Perceptions, Academic Support Programs