The Trials and Tribulations of Transfers: What We Know and What We Can Offer UNT Advising Conference 2012 #UNTAdv12 Presented by Melissa McGuire, UNT Transfer Center

1. THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF
TRANSFERS: WHAT WE KNOW AND
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
MELISSA MCGUIRE
DIRECTOR OF ORIENTATION AND
TRANSITION PROGRAMS

2. WHEN WE KNOW STUDENTS ARE
SUCCESSFUL
• Research indicates that when a student feel connected to their
campus, either socially or academically, they are more likely to be
successful and retained (Tinto)
• It also indicates that when a student is involved, they are more likely to be
satisfied with their experience (Astin)
• Favorite quote that I read to all incoming students:

3. “A college is not defined solely by its buildings, faculty, students, or athletic
teams. A college, in many ways, is an ideal, defined by the people who come
together in the interest and pursuit of knowledge. Colleges are places where
men and women from all walks of life discuss and debate issues, consider new
thoughts, and challenge old ideas. It is a place to learn about your course of
study, yourself, and your peers . . . Whether this ideal is realized, however, is
up to you. For many students, a college is nothing more than a way station
where they obtain the next set of credentials for their life journey. For
others, however, college is a place where
personal, emotional, cultural, intellectual growth and freedom are found. You
have the choice of how you want to realize your college experience.”
Achieving Personal and Academic Success, 1999

4. WHEN WE KNOW STUDENTS ARE
SUCCESSFUL
What does this mean
for a transfer student?

5. TRANSITIONAL ISSUES
First Time in College Student Tr a n s f e r S t u d e n t
• Learning how to study • Finding a place to connect
• Balancing academics, a social life,
• Balancing academics, a social life,
PT or FT work, dependents, etc.
and potentially PT work.
• Relearning or learning a NEW
• Learning the ropes/processes process.
• Getting involved • Getting involved in what they feel
are pre-established groups
• Transfer credits
• Course availability
We know transfer students are struggling
with these transition issues.

6. RETENTION
• 2010-2011 UNT Transfer Retention Rate: 75.32%, compared to 78.49%
for freshmen.
• Areas of consideration:
• African American students represent the lowest retention rate at
66.83%; AA females at 68.44% and AA males at 64.42%
• While male figure is not uncharacteristic, females statistic is.
• Last school attended:
• Community College: 76.5%
• Other University: 72.69%

7. WHAT THE UNT TRANSFER
CENTER IS ABOUT
The Transfer Center is designed to help transfer
students transition to college life at UNT. Through
various programs, mentoring and one-on-one
meetings, we strive to provide students with
assistance in connecting to campus resources to
ensure a successful transition to our community.

8. WHAT WE DO
• Host programs designed specifically for transfer students that provide
information and socializing opportunities
• Transfer students have told us they want more opportunities to
network, socialize, and hear about career opportunities.
• Meet one-on-one with students to discuss the progress of their transition
• Answer questions from new and prospective students
• Assist students in getting the information and resources they need
• Provide mentoring

9. • Help students and their families understand the transfer
process
• Provide networking opportunities
• Support students in their transition

10. • Our Transfer Orientation programs are required of all
new undergraduate students and are designed to help
students and their families become acclimated to the
university. We have 3 program offerings for transfer
orientation.
• Our Transfer Ambassadors are current transfer students
here to help transfer students adjust to life at UNT and
to help them learn more about campus resources and
the UNT community!

11. • Transfer Talkbacks: discussions designed for current
transfer students to provide feedback on programs,
academics and campus issues facing them. This
feedback helps the Transfer Center better address the
needs of transfer students.
• Student lounge is available in our office for students to
hang out between classes, study, or get help from
Transfer Ambassadors.

12. • Our Transfer Wing in Housing provides transfer
students the opportunity to live with and near students
going through a similar transition. Programs and a staff
peer mentor are provided for the wing.
• Community College Visits: Beginning fall 2011 Transfer
Ambassadors were able to partner with Admissions to
attend many of their community college visits in the
DFW area and provide prospective students with the
student perspective.

13. • In our office, lockers are
available for transfer students
who may need a place to
store textbooks,
lunch/dinner, or other
supplies while in class. These
lockers are especially helpful
for commuters.

14. O:: University Union, Suite 320
P:: 940-369-7287
E:: transfer@unt.edu
W:: facebook.com/UNTtransfercenter