We’ve created an atmosphere that is welcoming 和 inclusive, 和 students leave feeling as though they are a priority 和 not just a number.
Transferring to a new school can be overwhelming. 然而,对于 迈克的夏天, ’24, the individualized attention at Bridgewater State University made the process easy.
Mike worked closely with Transfer Advisor 她考威尔, who helped him determine the best classes to take 和 connected him to on-campus resources.
她非常高兴。, very helpful telling me about how everything worked,”迈克回忆道。, who came to BSU as a junior after graduating from Massasoit Community College. “She helped me just feel comfortable. ... She really made things easier for me.”
The support Mike received is not unique. It’s a hallmark of Transfer Services, a department exclusively focused on advising 和 supporting prospective 和 new 转移 students.
“We’ve created an atmosphere that is welcoming 和 inclusive, 和 students leave feeling as though they are a priority 和 not just a number,” 杰夫莎拉, ’10, G’12, director of Transfer Services, adding: “When they see friendly faces 和 they trust us, they ultimately want to go to Bridgewater.”
The data bears that statement out, as 转移 students are increasingly likely to remain at BSU after their first year. This measure of retention grew almost 5 percentage points in the past 5 years to 84.6 percent for full-time 转移 students who started in fall 2022.
As they prepare to become a Bear, 转移 students now receive checklists 和 personalized advising to ease the transition. They also learn from tutorials specifically tailored to their needs.
“When they are getting that level of attention at a university, it really means the world to those students,莎拉说。. “It’s people helping people.”
For community college students, the process starts even sooner. BSU staff advise them on courses while they are working on their associate degree to prepare them for success at BSU.
Transfer ambassadors like 约书亚·尼克尔斯, ’26, lead drop-in Q-和-A sessions, offer campus tours, assist at welcome events, 和 are a frequent presence in the Transfer Services office. They’re always ready to provide a student perspective on BSU life.
“I knew I wanted to help students like me 转移 in,约书亚说, who previously attended UMass Dartmouth. “Everyone has a different story. If I can give them another chance (at college), that’s what it’s all about for me.”
Joshua came to BSU at a time when he wasn’t sure if he would even continue with college. 但是, business management major immediately connected with faculty 和 staff such as professors 玛姬Johnsson) 和 托德•哈里斯.
“Being involved here definitely made me stay,” he said of working for Transfer Services. “I have more of a purpose than just going to school.”
Mike is similarly pleased with his adjustment. Now in his last semester as a business management major 和 marketing minor, Mike appreciates Student Accessibility Services staff 和 professors such as Dr. Jakari格里菲斯 who are eager to mentor students.
“I have been really happy here,” Mike said. “I can’t ask for anything more. 我很幸运.”
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? 电子邮件 stories@elizabeth-tudor.net.