DENTON, Texas — The University of North Texas (UNT) is making notable progress in supporting transfer students through its dedicated Transfer Center. Recent institutional research highlights that 68% of UNT’s 2017 transfer cohort earned a bachelor’s degree within six years, surpassing both the Texas state average of 45% and the national average of 48%, as reported by the Community College Research Center (CCRC).
Key to these achievements are UNT’s robust student support services and partnerships with community colleges. “We have student support services and strong community college partnerships that contribute to transfer student outcomes that outpace the national average,” said Brenda Kihl, senior associate vice president for enrollment partnerships. On average, community college transfer students graduate from UNT in 3.15 years, despite many transferring with less than two years’ worth of credits and attending part-time.
UNT also excels in supporting minority transfer students. Statewide, only 44% of Hispanic and 33% of Black transfer students earn their degrees within six years, according to the CCRC. At UNT, these rates are significantly higher at 69% and 60%, respectively. Elizabeth With, senior vice president for the Division of Student Affairs, emphasized the university’s commitment to all students’ success. “This is especially important for our transfer students, who make up more than 10% of our undergraduate population,” With noted.
The Transfer Center plays a pivotal role in facilitating transfer students’ smooth transition to UNT. It hosts events like Eagle for a Day, where prospective students experience campus life, and offers waivers for transfer orientation and application fees. DrewAnn Reyes, assistant director of transition programs, highlighted the center’s proactive approach: “The Transfer Center starts working with students before they get to UNT so they can feel confident when the first day of class arrives.”
After acceptance, transfer students participate in the Transfer Experience during UNT’s welcome week, First Flight, led by Transfer Ambassadors who guide newcomers through campus resources and peer connections. “It’s a great way for new transfer students to meet students with similar experiences,” Reyes said. The Transfer Center also supports students through their time at UNT by organizing Transfer Communities and numerous events each semester, including Lunch & Learn sessions with industry partners in collaboration with the UNT Career Center.
In celebration of National Transfer Student Week in October, the Transfer Center hosts events to honor transfer students and the professionals who support them. The center also keeps students informed through a weekly newsletter detailing upcoming events and available resources.
“The Transfer Center supports all transfer students during their transition to UNT and while they’re with us,” Reyes affirmed. “We aim to help students connect to campus resources, build a community, and achieve their goals at UNT.”