UCF transfer students have access to a new resource that supports academic success. UCF’s new Transfer Center officially opened its doors at its permanent location in Trevor Colbourn Hall in suite 215.
“More than 47% of UCF undergraduates are transfer students,” says Theodorea Regina Berry, vice provost for the Division for Student Learning and Academic Success and dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies. “The Transfer Center will help them navigate UCF, develop a sense of belonging and receive support as they work toward earning their bachelor’s degrees.”
The grand opening celebration started with a ribbon-cutting and remarks from President Alexander N. Cartwright, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Tim Letzring, and Berry. Transfer students had the opportunity to tour the center, meet the new Associate Director Bernard Huggins and success coach Beth Ganz, and to learn about engagement opportunities, including PeerKnights, Transfer Knights, and the Zeta Chapter of the Tau Sigma Honors Society.
The Division of Student Learning and Academic Success (SLAS) also launched a new Transfer Connect website, which serves as a one-stop transfer resource to enhance the student experience, improve academic success, and reduce “transfer shock.” Transfer Connect provides access to valuable information to transfer students throughout their collegiate career — from the time they express interest in attending UCF to graduation.
“In addition to the new Transfer Center where students have a place to meet and engage with other transfer students and coaches, there is also the virtual Transfer Connect website that provides additional resources to support transfer student with academic and support services,” says Pam Cavanaugh, associate vice provost for UCF Connect.
Once students register for Transfer Connect, they will be paired with a personal Success Coach who will support and motivate them throughout their transfer journey. Success Coaches work with students to provide customized enrollment assistance, strategies to graduate faster, tips for a seamless transition, ways to become involved in student life and guidance regarding career choices.
“We understand how important it is for students, especially those transferring from other educational institutions or those who may have taken a break from their studies, to have a support system with a dedicated and knowledgeable person who is consistently available,” says Cavanaugh. “Our amazing success coaches not only improve graduation and retention rates while reducing transfer shock, but they also remain a constant presence providing motivation and guidance as these students pursue their academic, career and personal goals.”
UCF has the largest number of transfer students among all of Florida’s public universities and has been recognized as a leader in transfer student success with DirectConnect to UCF, which guarantees admission to UCF for students with an associate degree or articulated degree from one of six partner state colleges.
In July 2021, UCF’s success was recognized by the Helios Education Foundation with a $1.25 million grant to expand transfer student success over the next four years as part of the university’s role in the Florida Consortium of Metropolitan Research Universities with FIU and USF.
Earlier this month, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) selected UCF as part of its new Transfer Student Success and Equity Intensive.
