Transfer orientation helps students get involved in various clubs and organizations around campus.
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi has been recognized by Phi Theta Kappa honor society for providing excellent service to help students transferring from community colleges.
UM is among 40 colleges and universities in PTK’s inaugural Excellence in Community College Transfer Honor Roll. Applications were judged based on engagement, collaboration, impact and achievements related to the transfer of community college students as well as partnerships, support, admissions outreach, scholarships/financial aid, student engagement opportunities and institutional priorities.
“It is most gratifying to all of the faculty and staff who have worked very hard to provide a superior experience for our transfer students,” said Dewey Knight, associate director for the Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience. “The initiatives we have put in place are being recognized as standards and best practices for all universities and colleges in the nation.”
The honored institutions, which offer programs, initiatives and benefits for community college transfers, will be acknowledged with a “Transfer Honor Roll” designation on PTK’s online site, CollegeFish.org, and special recognition at its annual convention April 7-9 in National Harbor, Maryland.
Phi Theta Kappa will also release a study regarding transfer success based on the information provided in Honor Roll applications.
“This recognition will certainly have a favorable impact on recruitment and retention of the best and the brightest community college students,” Knight said. “It sends the message that Ole Miss is ‘transfer friendly.'”
Enhancements have recently been made to improve the university’s transfer initiatives, said Brandi Hephner Labanc, UM vice chancellor for student affairs.
“A number of passionate professionals have worked to make our campus not just transfer-friendly, but more transfer-centered,” Labanc said. “The transfer task force recently wrapped up an extensive review of our practices, and they have envisioned even more enhancements for our campus. Our work is not done and this prestigious award gives us critical feedback and incentive to continue our efforts.”
The transfer task force committee, led by Jody Lowe, associate director of admissions, is working to improve recruitment, scholarship opportunities, academic advising and orientation for transfer students.
“We already have a robust recruitment and scholarship program, but we want to enhance these to appeal to transfer students with leadership ability and academic achievement,” Lowe said. “When it comes to advising and orientation, we’re expanding in order to give transfers more individual attention.”
Other members of the Transfer Honor Roll are Arcadia University, Bellevue University, Cleveland State University, Depaul University, East Stroudsburg University, Friends University, Georgia Southern University, Hiram College, Illinois State University, Iowa State University, Kean University, La Salle University, Lawrence University, Lee University, Lim College, Louisiana State University, Loyola Marymount University, Marquette University, Meredith College, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Northland College, Ohio State University, Ohio University, Oklahoma Baptist University, Quinnipiac University, Rutgers University at Newark, Saint Joseph’s University, Seattle University, Springfield College, St. John Fisher College, the University of Arizona, University of Findlay, Trinity College, University of Kansas, University of North Texas, University of Tampa, Utica College, Western Michigan University and York College of Pennsylvania.
The new recognition program reflects the growing importance of transfers in helping the U.S. achieve its college completion goals and will promote further study and sharing of best practices, said Christin Grissom, director of PTK scholarship operations.
“Increasingly, students of all ages and achievement levels are choosing the community college, not only as their first step, but also their first choice, in the pursuit of a quality, affordable bachelor’s degree,” Grissom said. “With this designation, we hope to connect community college students with institutions who value their unique transfer experience and prioritize their success.”
Colleges and universities that provide high-quality transfer programs benefit from the rich perspective and diversity that community college students bring to the student body, she said.
“These students are scholars, leaders, global citizens, often with higher grade-point averages than students who started at the university,” she said.
PTK members complete their degrees or transfer at a higher rate than the general student population, said Lynn Tincher-Ladner, PTK president and CEO.
“With a 92 percent student success rate, Phi Theta Kappa members have a proven track record of success,” Tincher-Ladner said. “Our members transfer at a much higher rate – 72 percent – than the traditional community college student – 29 percent.
“In order to ensure their continued success, the Transfer Honor Roll Program identifies colleges and universities that understand the unique needs of community college transfer students and applauds the dynamic pathways these colleges have created to continue fostering student success at the four-year college.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the oldest, largest and most prestigious honor society recognizing students pursuing two-year degrees. It includes more than 3 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in nine nations.