National Transfer Student Week: Celebrating progress, pushing for more

By Kaitlyn Seawood

As a transfer student at Rider, I’ve experienced firsthand both the excitement and challenges that come with entering a new academic environment. Rider proudly advertises itself as a transfer-friendly school, and, in many ways, it truly is. The seamless credit transfer process and the abundance of resources for students like me make it clear that Rider values its transfer population.

Yet, despite this reputation, there’s one area that could benefit from improvement: how orientation and Welcome Week integrate transfer students.

National Transfer Student Week, running from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25, is a time when institutions across the country recognize and celebrate the contributions of transfer students. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on how to better support transfers not just after they’ve arrived, but from the moment they step on campus. 

Rider has earned its place as one of the most transfer-friendly schools in the nation, recognized by Phi Theta Kappa for the eighth consecutive year.

As an honor society for community college students, PTK plays a major role in guiding students through the transfer process. Rider’s close relationship with PTK is a key part of its appeal and the organization deserves a lot of credit for Rider’s transfer success. 

I wouldn’t have known about Rider without PTK. The organization introduced me to Rider’s generous transfer scholarships and academic opportunities that aligned with my goals, making my transition not just possible, but exciting.

Coming to Rider from Northampton Community College, I had already experienced college life. I wasn’t the typical freshman, wide-eyed and nervous about leaving home for the first time. I didn’t need a crash course on what it meant to navigate campus or balance academics with social life. What I did need, however, was support in understanding the nuances of my new institution, meeting peers who were also new transfers and learning about resources tailored specifically to the unique challenges we face.

Welcome Week, for all its well-intentioned excitement, felt largely focused on first-year students. The events, orientation sessions and social gatherings seemed tailored to those just beginning their college journey. For instance, the class photo is taken with people who aren’t in your class, but merely started at Rider during the same time. As a transfer student, I often felt out of place. 

According to a 2023 survey I conducted with 34 transfer students, 32.4% did not feel included and their transfer needs were not met during orientation, and 17.5% felt the same way about Welcome Week.

Transfers are missing a separate, dedicated space to navigate the transition into Rider.

While Rider has done well to create transfer-specific advising and resources, organizations like the Transfer Student Association have also stepped in to fill some gaps. TSA is a great outlet for transfer students to get involved, meet others who share their experiences and even gain leadership opportunities. However, not every transfer student finds their way to organizations like TSA right away, especially when they may feel overwhelmed or isolated during the first few weeks on campus. 

A transfer-inclusive Welcome Week with activities tailored to those who already know how to “do college” would help us adjust to this new campus. Separate sessions during orientation could help transfer students connect, share tips and build a supportive community. Transfers often juggle jobs, commuting or adjusting to new living situations. While we’re ready to dive into our courses, we still need help finding our place at Rider and learning how to “do Rider.”

As we reflect on National Transfer Student Week, we can use this time to commit to ongoing improvements that fully embrace the diverse needs of transfer students, ensuring that their transition is as smooth and enriching as possible.

Rider, you’ve earned the transfer-friendly badge — now let’s continue building on that foundation for future transfer students.

Kaitlyn Seawood is a senior journalism major