Transfer students celebrated at UNG

The University of North Georgia (UNG) will celebrate transfer students and the professionals who support them during National Transfer Student Week from Oct. 17-21. 

"It is vital that UNG recognize transfer students due to their unique journey as college students and the diversity that they bring to the campus culture," Chantelle Tickles, assistant director for transfer and transitions with Nighthawk Engagement and Student Transitions, said. "National Transfer Student Week celebrates our UNG transfer students and highlights their individual experiences and transfer stories."  

The National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS), based on UNG's Dahlonega Campus, organizes National Transfer Student Week. This year's theme is "Plug into Transfer" which encourages faculty, staff, and students to get plugged into transfer resources and support.

UNG celebrations hosted by NEST include a Transfer Celebration Lunch on the Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses, which will highlight transfer coaches, members of Tau Sigma (national honor society for transfer students), and transfer scholarship recipients. The lunches are at noon Oct. 19 in the Robinson Ballroom of the Student Center at the Gainesville Campus and noon Oct. 20 in the Hoag ABC Rooms at the Dahlonega Campus. A full schedule of events is on UNG's National Transfer Student Week webpage.

Transfer students are different from traditional UNG new, first-year students because they have prior college experiences that could be leveraged through their college careers.

Chantelle Tickles

UNG assistant director for transfer and transitions with Nighthawk Engagement and Student Transitions

Supporting transfer students as they adjust to their new academic experience is important.

"Transfer students are a valuable student population at UNG and having dedicated professionals and services is helpful in increasing awareness of transfer students complexities and support systems," Maggie Segnitz, assistant director for academic advising and Transfer Advisory Group committee member, said.

Tanya Morris, a senior from Jefferson, Georgia, pursuing a degree in English with a writing and publishing concentration, transferred from Mississippi University for Women. Perkins said the transfer process was not difficult, but COVID-19 hit during her second semester.

"COVID shut everything down. Since we were all online, there was no way to get involved and meet people, but as soon as we were back on campus, I made it a point to get involved with groups in my department and the Tau Sigma honor society for transfer students," Morris said.

Despite the pandemic, she is on track to graduate in May 2023. Morris said getting involved was a great way to transition to UNG.

"Connect with a transfer coach. Inquire about Tau Sigma. Find your people," Morris said. "UNG offers something for everyone, so there's a group for you."

Benjamin Ainsworth transferred from Northwestern University and the University of Georgia and serves as a transfer coach who assists others transitioning to UNG. The junior, who is pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in writing and publication, is the Student Government Association vice president on UNG's Oconee Campus.

He encourages all new transfer students to meet with their academic advisor and the Student Money Management Center as soon as possible. Ultimately, he said, groups help transfers find their niche.

"The one piece of information I'd really want to share is the importance of getting involved in student organizations. It might not directly help with academics or finances, but it's important for good mental hygiene," Ainsworth said.