Transfer and Non-Trad Student Week is Oct. 21

10/08/2024

SUNY Cortland will celebrate its transfer and non-traditional students - two groups that often overlap with a wide range of lived experiences to share with the campus community - with seven different social activities during the week of Oct. 21 to 25.

"Transfer and Non-Traditional Student Week is a chance to celebrate their journey and the unique perspective they bring to our campus," said Evan Mills, advisor to the Non-Traditional Student Organization.

This fall, about 400 transfer students started their SUNY Cortland journey. An additional 150 to 200 will join this coming spring.

"Transfer students are a priority at Cortland," said Greg Diller, coordinator of transition programs. "Making the decision to start over at a new school can be daunting. We strive to create a strong support system for these students and help guide them through their transition."

SUNY Cortland currently enrolls approximately 200 non-traditional students. The university defines non-traditional students as undergraduate students who are 24 years of age or older or, regardless of age, may have dependent children, be working full-time, have military experience or have made a break in education at some point after high school.

"Through their diverse life experiences, non-traditional students bring unique perspectives to our campus," Diller said. "They often balance their studies with family or employment or other obligations."

The week will feature highlights on faculty and staff who experienced the transfer process, opportunities to recognize non-traditional and transfer students, and workshops and activities.

A series of profiles in the Oct. 22 Bulletin will offer reflections by campus community members who have experienced college as a transfer student or a non-traditional student.

Events include:

• Planetarium Show: Monday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in Bowers Hall. Come enjoy a fantastic, eye-gazing show in the university planetarium. Families are welcome. For information, visit the planetarium website. Signup by Friday, Oct. 18, is required.
• Tie dye socks: Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Corey Union, Room 209. Meet the transfer network team over a fun craft activity.
• Donuts and cider celebration: Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Newmark Pavilion beside the Memorial Library entrance. Savor that fall chill in the air while enjoying some donuts and cider with classmates and faculty or staff members who are helping you celebrate the week.
• Study Abroad 101 transfer edition: Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. in Old Main Colloquium. Transfers can study abroad, too. Learn how to get started with the process, including how to search for programs, identify courses to take abroad, get courses approved, understand program costs, apply for scholarships, and more.
• Fall festive crafts and planters: Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4-6 p.m. in Corey Union, Room 209. Tau Sigma, the national honor society for transfer students, will offer this activity to de-stress from midterms and have some fall fun. Participants who are new students this fall are welcome to make a festive sign, paint a ceramic planter, and meet other transfer and non-traditional students. They also can learn the requirements to be invited to join and get involved with Tau Sigma.
• Area decorating contest winners announced: On Friday, Oct. 25, prizes will be awarded by the national transfer honor society Tau Sigma to offices across campus whose doors best follow this year's theme for National Transfer Student Week, "Full Steam Ahead."
• SUNY Cortland football game vs. St. John Fisher: On Saturday, Oct. 26, at 1 p.m. Members of both campus cohorts are encouraged to come cheer on the defending national champion Red Dragons as they face off against the Cardinals of St. John Fisher.