UTSA highlights student success during National Transfer Week

OCTOBER 16, 2023 ­— UTSA joins many institutions from across the country in celebrating its transfer students during National Transfer Student Week from October 16 to 20. 

Transfer students make up approximately 40% of the undergraduate student population at UTSA. Of the approximately 11,000 transfer students currently enrolled at UTSA, 48% are first-generation college students and 68% are from underrepresented minority groups.

“Participating in National Transfer Student Week provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate our current and future transfer students, instill transfer pride across the institution, and showcase our commitment to the success of each and every one of these students,” said Tammy Wyatt, senior vice provost for student success. 

“Collaboration is key to creating a transfer-friendly school.”

Several units within the UTSA 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.

“Collaboration is key to creating a transfer-friendly school,” said Evelyn Betancourt Martinez, associate director of undergraduate admissions for transfer students. “Transfer recruitment specialists work closely with the staff in the UTSA Transfer and Transition Student Success Services office and the First-Generation and Transfer Student Programs team. Together, these transfer student champions offer dedicated advising for students even before they arrive on campus. In addition, they offer peer mentoring and academic and social programming to ensure a seamless transition to UTSA and dedicated support once they are here.”

To celebrate the week, UTSA is hosting a series of events geared toward current and prospective transfer students and the transfer champions who support them.

A few highlights of the week include:

• Transfer Swag Giveaway: Transfer students at the Main and Downtown campuses can pick up UTSA t-shirts and other items
• Transfer Trivia Night: Featuring a fun night of trivia and games
• Moment to Breathe: Self-care event where transfer students can participate in well-being exercises

“Transfer students are a huge part of what makes UTSA such a great institution,” said Mariah Neumeyer, a senior transfer specialist. “The knowledge, experience and stories that they bring with them when they transfer in have helped accelerate UTSA’s pursuit of excellence. Taking this week to spotlight transfer students each October is crucial because it allows them to see that they are a valued and irreplaceable part of the Roadrunner family.”

The celebration concludes on Saturday, October 21 with the Transfer Welcome session at UTSA Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Main Campus. The event is an opportunity for prospective transfer students and their families to visit UTSA and learn about the university. 

Besides our selection of degree programs, students tell us they enjoy the diversity and sense of family they find at UTSA,” said Betancourt Martinez. “We look forward to welcoming more students from everywhere to the Roadrunner family.”

For the full schedule of events, visit the Transfer and Transition Student Success Center website or their Rowdylink page.

— Evelyn Betancourt Martinez