Congratulations to all college students transferring to UA this upcoming fall semester. You are about to become a part of our community and the Daily Wildcat is here to help you get your bearings. Read on for some neighborly insight on how to make the most out of your time as a Wildcat.
The UA’s very own Transfer Student Center is a primary asset to the university’s initiative for student success. The TSC specializes in connecting transfer students and their families with the proper resources to help them succeed in college.
Nicole Kontak, Ph.D., is the senior director of the TSC; she works alongside her team to provide transfer students with opportunities that help them become acclimated to life at UA. The TSC organizes outdoor adventure activities, trips outside Tucson to places such as Biosphere 2 and Bisbee mines, theater shows, cooking classes and more. The majority of their events are free to transfer students and usually include meals and transportation.
“Our most popular events this past year included a trip to Buckelew Farms in the fall, the Tucson Improv Movement show and watching Broadway in Tucson musicals at Centennial Hall,” Kontak said. “When we take students to the Tucson Improv Movement show, we head down to Fourth Avenue for dinner at Magpies.”
Kontak said transfer students are able to network with other transfer students as well as faculty members when they attend TSC events. The center has Faculty Fellows who make connections with transfer students during their office hours in the center as well as at the events they sponsor.
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No matter what major, transferring into a new college environment can be stressful and can sometimes leave students with more questions than answers. The TSC encourages transfer students to get involved on campus and meet other transfer students in order to create a support system for people who are going through similar experiences.
“Transfer students want to be able to feel like they belong and that they’re getting everything they can from the UA,” Kontak said. “I think, like many other students on campus, transfer students tend to be unaware of various resources and opportunities available to them on campus.”
The TSC sponsors TransferCats in Action, which is a university club open to transfer students. The TCiA Club works to provide volunteer services to local organizations and to create ideas which benefit the community.
Another option is UA’s Tau Sigma Beta Omega, the first chapter of Tau Sigma Honor Society for transfer students in Arizona. Their mission, according to the TSC website, is to enhance “transfer students’ visibility and reputation on campus, provide motivation for academic excellence as well as a common bond and sense of community.”
Kontak has seen the TSC generate great success through the events and opportunities they provide.
“I think the TSC has made students feel like campus was less overwhelming and that they have a place where they feel welcome on campus that is catered to their needs,” Kontak said.
While social events and networking can be helpful to transfer students, grades are the number one concern. It’s also important to be aware of the academic resources available here at UA.
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Curtis Reidy is a transfer student from Pima Community College and is now a junior majoring in biosystems engineering at UA. Reidy said the campus THINK TANK was the most helpful resource for him when he transferred.
“They are very knowledgeable and they know what they’re talking about,” Reidy said. “A couple of them are even your instructors for your other classes. There aren’t any stupid questions, so always reach out for help.”
Sometimes, the best resource is the straightforward one. Academic advisers can help students sort out any problems they may have with classes and can explain the best options for students’ futures.
“Take advantage of your major’s advisor; they know what they’re talking about,” Reidy said. “It’s free and WiseAdvising is easy, just show up when you can to get some help. There are definitely a lot of resources to help you succeed.”
For more information on these resources and others, visit transfer.arizona.edu.
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