Transfer students are a diverse population varying greatly in age, college preparedness, goals, and expectations. They have had more college experience than new incoming freshmen, but otherwise it is impossible to make generalizations about them. According to Cindy Fiedler, Transfer Advisor, the following are common characteristics of and effective advising techniques for transfer students:
A. Characteristics Familiar with college community
- Many have attended more than one institution (known as “Swirling”).
- May feel frustrated with diverse campus procedures.
- Vary greatly in academic talent and preparation.
- May or may not have clear academic goals.
- May have difficulty feeling connected to campus community.
- May have excessive electives.
B. Advising techniques
- Explain that policies and procedures vary from campus to campus.
- Look for ways to assist with connecting student to campus community.
- Assist with process to re-evaluate electives when appropriate, for inclusion in degree requirements. (Refer to Dr. John Catau, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (ext. 64589) for general education courses and department heads for specific major course equivalents.)
- Assist with understanding process of applying to degree program.
Transfer students are a diverse population varying greatly in age, college preparedness, goals, and expectations. They have had more college experience than new incoming freshmen, but otherwise it is impossible to make generalizations about them. According to Cindy Fiedler, former Transfer Advisor, the following are common characteristics of and effective advising techniques for transfer students:
A. Characteristics Familiar with college community
- Many have attended more than one institution (known as “Swirling”).
- May feel frustrated with diverse campus procedures.
- Vary greatly in academic talent and preparation.
- May or may not have clear academic goals.
- May have difficulty feeling connected to campus community.
- May have excessive electives.
B. Advising techniques
- Explain that policies and procedures vary from campus to campus.
- Look for ways to assist with connecting student to campus community.
- Assist with process to re-evaluate electives when appropriate, for inclusion in degree requirements.
- (Refer to Dr. John Catau, Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education (ext. 64589) for general education courses and department heads for specific major course equivalents.)
- Assist with understanding process of applying to degree program.
