During the afternoon of Oct. 23, the Transfer and Admissions Team hosted a celebration in Maxwell Hall to recognize transfer students during National Transfer Student Week.
Amid autumnal cuisine and refreshments with a fall-time twist, students gathered to recognize an important demographic in Winona State University’s student population. As peers wrote words of encouragement on brightly colored post-it notes, they connected with others through their shared experiences. This group is a large fragment within the diverse mosaic of backgrounds and experiences at Winona State. With a population of nearly 900 students strong and an average of 425 students arriving each fall semester, it’s safe to say that transfer students certainly deserve recognition.
One such transfer student, Conner Dopp, came to Winona State from Southwest Minnesota State University and spoke about why Winona was an excellent choice for transferring schools.
“Definitely better academic support; that’s a big one. Southwest was near where I grew up, so initially I came here to branch out. It was a good choice because I have liked Winona ever since,” Dopp said. “I love it here; it is great being involved in a ton of activities. People see me around campus all the time and know who I am when I walk by; it’s nice.”
According to him, Winona State is doing many things right. Being recognized not only by peers but by staff meant a lot to Dopp.
“It’s nice to be recognized; some days it feels like you are just another face here, but it’s nice to show they want us here and want us to succeed. It’s nice to know that they care.” Dopp said.
That is something the transfer admissions team does best: care. Just a chat with the staff, and it’s clear how much passion and dedication they have for the students they serve. According to Jess Beier, the assistant director of transfer admissions and transfer coordinator, students can come from many places for multiple reasons.
“We’ve seen students start out in community colleges near their hometown and take their generals or a transfer pathway and branch out from there,” Beier said. “It’s also common to see folks transfer from four-year degrees. Others are looking for a new experience, a different part of the state, or even moving colleges to be closer to home.”
Like any student on campus, no two transfer students are alike.
“There’s just an assumption that everyone came here fresh out of high school, is of traditional age, and has the same traditional experience. The truth is, the transfer student population is really diverse in age and where they’re coming from.” Beier said.
The staff seemed to hold a similar sentiment in the importance of recognizing transfer students.
“It’s important to recognize them as they have their own unique experience coming here, which comes with its own challenges. This week is National Transfer student week, so I figured it would be a really great thing to bring that to our campus.” Beier announced to the group at the event with many heads nodding along in agreement.
Many transfer students receive ample support from the team before ever arriving at campus. After their arrival, they can expect continued accommodation and resources at the ready from the whole of Winona State. Through Beier’s newly started WSU Transfer Club, transfer students can navigate college life while feeling supported by those in the same boat.
“This way, transfer students can know they aren’t the only ones. This club is a way they will be able to connect with people who are similar to them and have similar experiences.” Beier said.
