New Office of Transfer & Adult Learners strengthens support for Wayne State students

As part of a broader restructuring of educational outreach within Strategic Enrollment Management, Wayne State University has brought together two existing student support programs to form the new Office of Transfer & Adult Learners (TAL). TAL combines the expertise and resources of the Transfer Student Success Center and the Adult Learner Team, providing a single point of support for recruitment and outreach, transition assistance, advising, partnerships and student engagement.

Students, faculty and staff can learn more about the new office during the Transfer & Adult Learners Open House on Sept. 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the David Adamany Undergraduate Library.

"Today's students are coming to Wayne State through many different pathways, and it's our responsibility to make sure they can see themselves here and have the support they need to succeed once they arrive," said Dr. Charles Cotton, vice provost for strategic enrollment. "At a time when the traditional college-age population is shrinking, transfer students and adult learners are an increasingly important part of the enrollment landscape, and bringing these resources together allows us to better serve these students."

While transfer students and adult learners - identified as students aged 25 and over - are distinct populations, they often face similar challenges. As both groups navigate university processes, they also need to determine how previous college credits apply toward a degree.

"The launch of TAL is an opportunity to build on the strong work already happening across Wayne State and create a stronger, more connected experience and even clearer pathways to Wayne State for transfer and adult learners," said Michael Quattro, director of education outreach and transfer initiatives. "Our goal is to make the path to and through Wayne State clearer for students by helping them understand their options, know where to turn, and connect with the resources and support they need."

The launch comes amid continued enrollment momentum at Wayne State, including these unique student populations. This fall, Wayne State welcomed 1,416 new transfer students, approximately 3% more than last year. The university also welcomed 422 new adult learners, the majority of whom are also transfer students.

"Our transfer and adult learner students bring unique perspectives and experiences that enrich our campus community, while also sharing many common needs and experiences," said Morgan DeAngelis, associate director for transfer student success. "By bringing support for these two populations together in one office, we strengthen our commitment to serving a diverse student body and ensuring every student's identity is celebrated."

With a 70% four-year transfer student graduation rate - 15 percentage points above the state average - TAL has demonstrated a strong commitment to transfer student success.

Wayne State is home to more than 5,000 transfer students, who comprise approximately 30% of the undergraduate student body. Adult learners comprise approximately 15% to 17% of Wayne State's total student population in a typical semester, according to Susie Reynolds, associate director of adult learner success.

"The merger between Adult Learners and Transfer Student Success is exciting, as it gives adult learners more of a home on campus," Reynolds said. "The support and resources they'll receive through the new TAL office will benefit them greatly."

For students who have attended college previously but have not completed a degree, TAL can also help identify opportunities to transfer existing credits and understand how those credits might apply toward a Wayne State degree. By bringing related services together, the office aims to make those pathways easier to understand and navigate.

For transfer ambassador and history major Nyx Klersy, who came to Wayne State as a first-generation adult learner and transfer student, the connection between the two populations is particularly clear.

"Having these two departments together just makes sense," Klersy said. "Oftentimes, those transferring will fall into the adult learner category, and making those spaces work in harmony makes WSU all the more approachable."

Learn more about the Office of Transfer & Adult Learners here.