Phi Theta Kappa Recognizes University for Exemplary Transfer Pathways

For Dallin Brimley ’19, it was the people, especially those in admissions and the Veteran Student Services office, who, he says, were instrumental in preparing him for success as a transfer student.

"The staff of transfer student counselors as well as anyone working in the admissions office or with the veterans are literally the most helpful individuals you could have the privilege of working with," says Brimley, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, who is a clinical laboratory specialist for Exact Sciences is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental management through the University of San Francisco. "Everyone took it upon themselves to ensure a smooth transition for me."

It is the support Brimley and his fellow transfer students have received at the University of New Haven that has led to its inclusion on Phi Theta Kappa’s 2020 Transfer Honor Roll. The University is one of 123 colleges and universities in the country to earn a spot on the list.

"Each year, hundreds of students transfer to the University of New Haven,” said Corinne Merjave, the University’s director of transfer enrollment. “We have a University-wide commitment to providing each of our transfer students the support they need to make a seamless transition to the University and to delivering an educational experience that positons them for success now and in the future."

The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes four-year colleges and universities that have developed transfer pathways that lead to excellence and success among community college transfer students. Colleges were selected based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, which is determined by the Transfer Profile they create in PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges.

"We have a University-wide commitment to providing each of our transfer students the support they need to make a seamless transition to the University"Corinne Merjave

Colleges utilizing PTK Connect can complete a Transfer Profile, which asks questions about admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices, and peer reviews. It is meant to reflect what the transfer student experience is like at their colleges, as well as the strategies colleges are taking to support and enroll transfer students.

The profile immediately gives colleges a Transfer Friendliness Rating students can use internally to gauge how friendly their admissions and recruitment strategies are. The top 25 percent highest-rated colleges are named to the Transfer Honor Roll.

"The Transfer Honor Roll reflects the growing importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of transfer students,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “This award is given to four-year colleges and universities with proven outcomes for transfer success. They are the best at providing a supportive and smooth transition from community college — equating to increased rates of bachelor’s degree attainment for transfer students."