What Transfer Tigers need to know

By Kyle Hobstetter on January 16, 2020

While many students start their Towson University adventure in the summer, there are hundreds of students who transfer into their academic journey in January.

Students transferring in are a pivotal part of Towson University, accounting for more than 50% of student population and come from both community colleges and four-year universities. 

And while these students come from different schools and backgrounds, they are now members of the Towson University community, and New Student and Family Programs is working to make their transition to TU easier.

“Every day TU is making changes and advancements to make sure their experience is as unique as can be,” says Jhane Cummings, Towson University's coordinator for transfer programs. “Some of those advancements include the new Transfer Student Center, academic advisors dedicated to the transfer student experience, the Transfer Mentor Program (which is now available for students through their first year at TU), and more! 

“These are just a few things to show how important transfer students are to us as an institution and we are excited to welcome every new Transfer Tiger to Towson University.”

To start the year, NSFP will also host Winter Welcome, an abbreviated version of Welcome to TU, which will see events that help students get connected to campus. This includes hosting Welcome2TU Escape Rooms on Thursday, January 30.

Along with Winter Welcome, here are a list of resources and programs that are designed to make the transition to Towson University. 

Know your Academic Adviser

Each Towson University student is given a program adviser that helps them with their academic career. Most incoming transfer students should have met with their adviser during orientation.

Advisers will be listed on a student’s profile in Peoplesoft, TU’s online student information system that can be accessed through myTU. The adviser should be found on the right side of the student information file.

If, for some reason, the adviser is not there, check with the major department or, if you are an “open” major, check with the Academic Advising Center[BROKEN LINK] in The Lecture Hall building. 

Check out all the academic services and resources offered by Towson University.

Join the Transfer Mentor Program

One of the unique opportunities offered to students transferring to Towson University, is the ability to join the Transfer Mentor Program.

Students are paired with a TU staff or faculty member, where they will regularly meet to discuss how students can take advantage of their time at TU. The program provides transfer students a chance to broaden their professional network, and get a jump start on gaining more professional experiences.

Mentors will also help students with career advice, navigating campus, job and internship help, developing leadership skills and just developing an early relationship on campus. 

The program will be open to transfer students from both fall and spring semesters, with the deadline for students to apply for this semester happening on January 27. 

Use the Tutoring and Learning Center

Located on the fifth floor of Cook Library, The TU Tutoring and Learning Center is a full-service learning center that assists students in achieving their academic goals.

The Tutoring and Learning Center offers a range of course specific support services for students including tutoring, Peer Assisted Learning Sessions (PALS) and Supplemental Instruction. They also offer academic skills support resources which include academic coaching, study groups and workshops. 

Connect with the Career Center

The Towson University Career Center is committed to getting students ready for life after college. Located on the second floor of the 7800 York Road building, the Career Center staff will help students identify a student’s interests and find their passion.

The Career Center offers a comprehensive range of free services to assist students with all of their career-related needs including: developing a career action plan, career counseling and advising, resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, job and internship searches and graduate school essay reviews. 

The Career Center is also home to Handshake, an online job and internship database that offers recruiting services for students, alumni, employers, faculty and staff.

Stay healthy both mentally and physically

One of the most important aspects of college life is to stay healthy, both mentally and physically. The Health and Counseling Center at Ward & West provides on-campus care for students. 

The Health Center provides wellness services for all registered students, including care for common illnesses and minor injuries, HIV and STI testing, immunizations, contraceptive counseling and services, physical exams and can give referrals to area doctors. 

The Counseling Center also provides mental health services to all registered students. Free services include: individual and group counseling, substance treatment services, meditation rooms, massage chairs and can offer referrals. 

Towson University is also home to the Burdick Hall, a fully-updated, first class recreation and fitness facility. The facility is open to all students and featuring a variety of cardio and weightlifting equipment, an indoor swimming pool, multi-purpose gymnasiums and newly renovated locker rooms and showers. Campus Rec also offers fitness classes, intramural sports, club sports, and outdoor adventure trips. 

Get involved with the Transfer Student Center

While most think the Transfer Student Center (TSC) is just for incoming students, the TSC continues to be a resource for enrolled students.

The TSC can answer questions students may have about transfer credits, connect them to resources, or even just work with them as they navigate a new school and ensure a seamless and well-informed transfer experience.

The TSC is located in Room 331 in the Enrollment Services building, but students can check out their Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about the transfer experience.

This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TIGER Way.