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National Transfer Student Week will be celebrated at the University of North Georgia (Å·±¦ÓÎϷƽ̨) through multiple events hosted by the Student Orientation and Success (SOS) department from Oct. 21-25.  The concept of honoring transfer students and those who support their academic journey was developed by  (NISTS) in 2017.

"We want to support our transfer students and highlight their experience coming in because they're not traditional new students in that they have some college credit behind them. They know how to 'college,' but they're coming to a new institution, so it may seem like a fresh start," Allison Naidoo, student orientation and success coordinator for Transfer and Return to Å·±¦ÓÎϷƽ̨ Programs, said. "Transferring means a new campus, a new region, new faculty and staff. It's not the same as they've experienced before."

"Unlocking Potential: Keys to the Transfer Journey," the theme for this year's National Transfer Student Week, celebrates the wealth of skills, knowledge and perspectives that transfer students bring to their new schools. It recognizes how transfer students possess unique problem-solving skills and adaptability, diverse lived experiences, and connections to community.

One of the resources Å·±¦ÓÎϷƽ̨ provides is an academic success coach, something Naidoo described as a "personal assistant when it comes to trying to figure out your life." These individuals help students determine goals and how to achieve them. They look at what hasn't been working for the student and what is, she said.

"They're a level up from a friend. They will help organize what a student needs to do, as well as just aligning ultimate goals," Naidoo said.

Often students can’t finish degrees where they’re currently enrolled, Naidoo said.

SOS provides a dedicated space for adult learner and transfer students on the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses for studying and printing materials, customized orientation, and programming and events throughout the year to help with the transfer experience and serve as a liaison for transfers and other Å·±¦ÓÎϷƽ̨ departments.

Other factors in transferring include Å·±¦ÓÎϷƽ̨’s economical tuition and degree offerings at most campuses.

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