Questions about the Transfer Student Experience at the University of Minnesota can be directed to Sarah Ihrig, Assistant Director of the Transfer Student Experience, at [email protected].
The work of the U of M Transfer Student Experience is guided by the U of M Framework for the Transfer Student Experience and the U of M Transfer Student Strategic Plan.
Transfer Student Advocate Training
The goal of this training is to help staff and faculty understand the unique issues transfer students face and become advocates for transfer students.
Program Requirements:
To become a Transfer Student Advocate you must attend one training. After that you will receive occasional communications and invitations to optional, future events and training.
Objectives of the Transfer Advocate Program:
- To increase knowledge and awareness of the U of M transfer student population and the barriers transfer students may face.
- To promote transfer student access to, and participation in, University activities and resources.
- To create a visible network of support for transfer students across campus.
Outcomes:
After completing this training participants will:
- Understand the U of M transfer student population and the unique needs and concerns of transfer students.
- Identify specific next steps they can take to be a transfer student advocate by encouraging transfer student engagement and removing barriers.
- Be identified as Transfer Advocates in their units and a source of information and support for transfer students.
For more information about the Transfer Advocate training contact Sarah Ihrig, [email protected]
Online Resources to Support Transfer Students
- National Academic Advising Association (NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising Transfer Student Advising Community
- National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students
- National Resource Center: Transfer Resources
Suggested Readings on Transfer Students
- Supporting Transfer Student Success: Five Key Faculty Practices Wang, X., Felten, P., Gooden, L., Iuzzini, J., & Kittrell, E. (2021).
- College Board Initiative on Transfer Policy and Practice (various authors and reports).
- Grites, T. and Duncan, C. (2012) Advising transfer students: Strategies for today’s realities. 2nd ed. National Academic Advising Association.
- Hendel, S.J., Strempel, E. (2016). Transition and transformation: Fostering transfer student success. National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students.
- Jenkins, D. & Fink, J. E. (2016). Tracking Transfer: New measures of institutional and state effectiveness in helping community college students attain bachelor’s degrees. New York, NY: Community College Research Center, The Aspen Institute, & National Student Clearinghouse Research Center
- Wyner, J., Deane, K. C., Jenkins, D., Fink, J. (2016). The transfer playbook: Essential practices for two- and four-year institutions. Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, and The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.
