UTSA celebrates National Transfer Student Week, promotes sense of belonging

OCTOBER 17, 2022 — UTSA is joining institutions from across the country in celebrating its transfer students during National Transfer Student Week from October 17 to 21.

Transfer students make up approximately 40% of the undergraduate student population at UTSA. Of the 11,609 transfer students who are currently enrolled at UTSA, 48% are first-generation college students and 72% are from underrepresented minority groups.

“UTSA is committed to supporting and celebrating the success of our transfer students throughout their academic journey,” said Tammy Wyatt, vice provost for student success. “By participating in this national celebration week, we hope to build awareness of transfer students’ unique needs and highlight their struggles and successes to instill transfer pride across the institution.” 

Several units within the division of Academic Affairs collaborate to offer comprehensive support to transfer students before and during their time at UTSA, including specialized advising, mentoring, academic support and programming to help them develop a sense of belonging and aid their success toward graduation. Currently, 82% of transfer students reenroll at UTSA in their second year and their median time to degree is 2.71 years.

To celebrate the week, the Transfer and Transition Student Success Services office, the First-Generation and Transfer Student Programs team, and the Community Outreach & Transfer Recruitment Undergraduate Admissions office are hosting a series of events geared toward transfer students.

A few highlights include:

• Swag Trade: Transfer students trade in their former institution’s gear for UTSA t-shirts and other items
• Brunch with Peer Mentors: Informal meal with transfer peer mentors
• Plug into Self Care: Opportunity to participate in meditation exercises and stress-relieving activities
• Transfer Engagement Leadership Student Panel: Discussion about campus engagement and leadership opportunities
• Keynote Speaker: Hear from UTSA alumna Victoria Barbosa Olivo ’14, M.S. ’16, M.A. ’19

Olivo, a lecturer in the UTSA Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, transferred to UTSA from St. Philip’s College in Fall 2011. She got involved at UTSA right away, becoming a member of the Honors College and the McNair Scholars program. She graduated with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and women’s studies and stayed at UTSA to pursue two master’s degrees. In May, she earned a Ph.D. in Education from The Ohio State University.

Olivo’s success story is an inspiration to other students. The Roadrunner community will have a chance to meet her, learn about her experience and hear her words of wisdom in an informal setting at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 20 in the Student Union Willow Room (SU 2.02.12).

"I'm proud to be from a community like UTSA and Alamo Community Colleges that supports transfer students like me,” said Olivo. “Without that transfer support, I may not have become the Dr. Olivo I am today. I hope to give back to my community and inspire other transfer students to always follow their aspirations despite the hardships they may face." 

UTSA’s celebration of National Transfer Student Week will culminate in a special experience at the Roadrunner Football game against the University of North Texas at the Alamodome on Saturday, October 22. Transfer students will have a designated tailgating lot, sit together in section 120 and enjoy a pre-game experience on the field.

All of the week’s events can be found on the Transfer and Transition Student Success Services' RowdyLink event page.

— KC Gonzalez