Transfer students acclimate to new college, urge campus involvement

By Shana Adams

Special to The Johnsonian

Junior Allen Body started his college career at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Completing his freshman year in April 2008, Body realized he could save more money  by staying at home in Rock Hill and commuting back and forth to Winthrop. Body, similar to many other transfer students, wasn’t fully aware of the risk involved in transferring or the opportunities available to make the transition easier.

 According to Lynn Harand, director of Student Services for the College of Arts and Sciences, students should “communicate with the Student Services office of your academic unit to confirm transferability of courses prior to taking courses at another institution.” Body witnessed first-hand the value of research. “Only 21 of my credits transferred, but I was still considered a sophomore at Winthrop,” Body said. Senior Terrence Richardson had 58 credits transfer from his time at Florence Darlington Technical College and College of Charleston, making him a senior when he arrived at Winthrop.

Richardson had difficulties adjusting to Winthrop. “The most difficult things to adjust to were the professors, the work that was required, the quality of work (especially in my major), the campus and the students,” he said. Richardson said he tried to get involved on campus when he transferred by joining the homecoming committee, although he’s not involved on campus now. Body urges other transfers to become more involved with their new school. “The only advice I have is to become involved at your new school and do not be afraid to let people know you are a transfer student,” he said. 

According to Debi Barber, director of undergraduate admissions, physically transferring is only half the battle. Transfer students have an added duty to acclimate to their new school and environment. “Some transfer students may delay getting involved in campus activities, but becoming fully engaged as a Winthrop student is important for all new students.”

Winthrop has programs that aim to help make the transition easier for incoming transfer students. For students transferring from York Technical College, two new transfer options exist. For the first option, students may choose courses at York Tech to transfer for specific degree programs. This option allows students to transfer 31-32 hours toward their major at Winthrop. Option two allows students to choose 63-65 hours of courses that go toward specific degree programs at Winthrop.

For transfer students older than 25, Winthrop offers New Start. “New Start is a service program that assists adult students with the admission process and provides ongoing support and information. A simple call or visit gets you started; staff members explain admission procedures and answer questions you may have,” said Tracey Hudson, coordinator for New Start. 

Benefits enjoyed by New Start students are aimed at making the transition into Winthrop easier. “We offer a simplified application process, specialized Orientation events and personal attention to a student’s individual needs. We offer ongoing support to students through an electronic newsletter, scholarship program and special events geared toward the special needs of adult students,” Hudson said. 

Registrar Gina Jones advises potential transfers to use research tools, such as the Winthrop website, for assistance with transfers. Information on articulation agreements and the transferability of courses taken at other colleges and universities is provided on the Admissions website. Information on Winthrop degree requirements can be found in the undergraduate catalog on the Records and Registration website.