Presenter: Colby Heineman Coordinator for Transfer Student Initiatives University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Outline Why (Identifying needs) What (Goals of the initiative) How (Strategies to move forward) What-part 2(programmatic & other efforts) When/Who (connecting potential transfers)

Why National Trends –Transfer Shock –Lack of connection and engagement on campus ‘C-2-C-2-C’ Small school to large school adjustments Breaking in to established groups U of M is not immune

Transfer Student Experience Initiative Goals –Increase student success satisfaction, engagement, retention, & graduation Practice – Meet students where they are at: –Recognize the continuum of transition

Guiding questions How do students experience: –Transfer Process Admissions, Orientation, First Day & Beyond –The campus community How can we impact this experience?

Strategies Focus on direct student engagement –Expand existing opportunities –Create new opportunities Engage campus stakeholders –Ongoing dialog to address barriers to student success

Initiatives Expanded –Welcome Events –Housing Opportunities Created –Peer Mentoring Program –Student Board –Honors Society –Communications Strategy

Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Program (opt-in) Connect 1-1 with recent transfer, Peer Guide. Go-to person to help connect to campus resources and other students. Plan events to connect to wider group of transfers and explore campus community and resources.

Student Leadership Opportunities Focus: Advocacy for Transfer Student Population Provide recommendations to enhance experience Develop programming and initiatives to support the transfer community.

Tau Sigma – National Honors Society University of Minnesota Chapter Acknowledge outstanding academic achievement Leadership roles on campus National scholarships available Est. Spring 2014 Current membership-146 Eligibility: GPA specific (3.5), after 1 st semester Enrolled full-time (12 credits) Transferred with, at least, 1yr of credits

Communications Strategies TSE Monthly Transitional Messaging Intentional Redundancy Thermometer

Potential Transfers? Website: transfer.umn.edu Admissions – related questions WHAT’S NEXT????

Students should know the ‘AND’ Increasing student success = managing expectations Admission Letter ≠ Transition Over

Colby Heineman Coordinator for Transfer Student Initiatives University of Minnesota-Twin Cities