“There was recognition that UD needed to do more for students looking to transfer, and do it sooner,” said Posthauer. “We needed to have something in place to welcome them, answer their questions and help ensure a smooth transition.”

UD currently has 1,648 transfer students enrolled, about 9 percent of the total undergraduate population. Fifty-two percent are Delaware residents, while 41 percent are coming from other areas of the U.S., and 7 percent are transferring from international locations. Four percent are veterans.  

Kelly Nizolek, a sophomore communication interest major from Madison, Connecticut, transferred in fall 2017 from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. She made the switch to UD because she had heard great things from friends who attended, and it was the right distance from home—not too far, not too close. She instantly felt a connection when she visited.

“When I came to visit, I automatically got an amazing feeling when I first got to campus,” said Nizolek. "It just had everything that I had ever wanted in a college: a beautiful campus, college town and a big student population."

UD enrolled 426 new transfer students in fall 2017, up from 412 in fall 2016.  The University’s goal is to continue a strong cohort of transfers, with a target of at least 400 new transfer students for fall 2018, not including international students who begin their experience in the English Language Institute’s Academic Transitions Program.

Transfer students help diversify the student body, said Posthauer. They can provide a different perspective, which is valuable in the classroom and social settings. Some students are coming from community colleges, while others are making the transition from four-year schools.  A good number come back after getting a degree and want to fulfill other interests. Some are in the military and have traveled around the country.

Carolyn Quinci, senior associate registrar, noted that transfer students, regardless of where they are coming from, have different needs than freshmen. They’ve been through college before, but a new university presents new procedures, a different campus environment to acclimate to and new people. The students’ single biggest concern, though, is credit transfer and the time to degree.  Having a compassionate human being for students to rely on for these concerns is key, said Quinci.

“Brian’s position is very high touch,” Quinci said. “He offers a place for students to go if they don’t know what to do, whether it is assisting with credit evaluation or determining where credits fit into their degree program.  Someone to help shepherd students through that process is a big deal.”

Quinci added that the transfer credit processing has become more streamlined with the addition of Diane Henker as associate registrar. “The transfer team has worked hard over the past year to improve the clarity of messaging online, on paper and in person, which is especially helpful for international students,” Quinci said.

Nizolek relied heavily on UD’s transfer services to help her adjust to campus and make the right academic choices.

“Transfer services staff were a tremendous help with everything, telling me who to contact for certain issues, coming up with a four-year plan in order to graduate on time, talking a lot about credits and the right classes to take,” Nizolek said. “Transferring from a small school in Connecticut to UD was a very big adjustment. Getting used to this school was overwhelming at times, but transfer services really helped to make it easier for me academically, and even socially. They pointed out all of the different clubs and extracurricular activities to help get us involved on campus! Transfer services really helped shape the beginning of my positive experience here at UD.”

Key to ensuring students’ success, Posthauer said, is the coordination between his office and others at UD, including the Office of Admissions and the college assistant deans, who collectively work with students to provide early connections and any necessary supplemental advising on the front end to help students make their decision. Faye Duffy, associate director of Admissions, is responsible for transfer student admissions and regularly interacts with Posthauer to lobby for students.  

“We routinely discuss transfer applicants with unusual circumstances in hopes of helping them the best we can,” said Duffy.  “We spend a great deal of time communicating by email, phone, or in person with prospective transfer students.”

Admitted transfer students also have special Decision Days—dedicated visit opportunities in April for fall applicants and in December for spring applicants.  

But the support doesn’t end once the students are enrolled. For three days during the summer, UD hosts New Student Orientation just for transfer students. In addition, the students are invited to take a one-credit transfer seminar course that provides them the opportunity to write about their experience transitioning to UD.  A mentor program that pairs new transfer students with existing transfer students is in the works, as is a new Transfer Student Advisory Board.

Throughout the year, the Blue Hen Success Collaborative helps refer students concerned about their path to Posthauer.

“My door is open any time to help students along their path here at UD,” said Posthauer. “Being accessible and connecting students to the right resources are simple actions that go a long way toward student success.”  

Transferring to UD

Students looking to transfer to UD should start preparing early by reviewing the Transfer website for important dates and deadlines, FAQs and the admission requirements, which vary by major. The Transfer Credit Matrix will help students identify courses that will transfer to UD. Anyone with questions may contact Brian Posthauer, at bpost@udel.edu.