The University of Minnesota provides tools, strategic guidance, and specialized training to empower faculty and staff in supporting transfer student success across campus.
Contact Information & Governance
For questions or assistance regarding the Transfer Student Experience at the University of Minnesota, contact:
Sarah Ihrig
Assistant Director of the Transfer Student Experience
Email: [email protected]
This work 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 Transfer Student Advocate Training is offered every fall and spring semester to U of M faculty and staff. The program helps university personnel understand the unique challenges transfer students encounter and equips them to become active advocates on campus.
Program Requirements
To become a recognized Transfer Student Advocate, participants must attend one training session. Following completion, advocates receive periodic communications and invitations to optional future training sessions and networking events.
Program Objectives
- 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.
Expected 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 details on upcoming advocate training schedules, contact Sarah Ihrig at [email protected]
Additional Support Resources
- U of M Handout on Supporting Transfer Students for Faculty & Staff
- 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.