UNT supports transfer students in finding community

Monday, October 21, 2024 - 09:32

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DENTON (UNT), Texas - The University of North Texas is taking time to celebrate its transfer students during National Transfer Student Week. The UNT Transfer Center works to create a strong community for transfer students while connecting them to essential campus resources.

"Over 5,000 students transfer into UNT each year. By supporting their transition and fostering their success, we ensure that they not only find their place at UNT but also excel academically and socially," said Elizabeth With, senior vice president for the Division of Student Affairs.

Transfer Ambassadors like Nomnso Chas-Nwam and Anniemae Amio, both transfer students themselves, play a key role in carrying out that mission.

"Our job is to help transfer students acclimate to UNT," said Chas-Nwam, a senior studying cybersecurity. "Transferring can be stressful, and students often look for someone who has been through similar experiences to help guide them."

Chas-Nwam transferred from the University of Texas at Arlington and before that he attended Tarrant County College. One of the things that attracted him to UNT was its larger student body. Through the center's Eagle Connections mentoring program, he now has the chance to meet and engage with others one-on-one.

"You can meet people who are 34, 50 or 21, and we're all in a different phase of life. You get to hear their story, and sometimes they're quite vulnerable with you," Chas-Nwam said. "They may have full-time jobs or families to support, but even with their busy schedules they choose to spend their time with us. They're looking to make connections on campus."

Amio, a junior, transferred to UNT from Texas Wesleyan University to join the medical laboratory science program. She remembers when she first arrived on campus.

"There was so much, and I was wandering around trying to figure it all out on my own so I love that I'm now in a position where I can help people find those resources they need and just make connections with one another," Amio said.

Eagle Connections sessions typically last 30 minutes, although Amio noted they can extend as needed. Each ambassador meets monthly with a group of students, starting with an icebreaker session to establish goals for the semester. Later sessions focus on tracking progress and discussing any concerns that arise.

"I had one student who was struggling with their homework, and I suggested they reach out to the professor first. If they still needed help after that, they could then visit UNT's Learning Center with those extra notes," Amio said.

Another initiative at the center is Transfer Communities, which function like clubs for transfer students to connect with others. Last year, the center introduced intramural basketball and Destination Denton, led by Chas-Nwam, focused on exploring local spots and attending festivals. This year features a coffee "connisoars" community run by Amio and a transfer games community where members play video games together. Each ambassador oversees their own community.

"For the coffee connisoars, we go to either coffee spots on campus or around Denton, and it's just a good way to meet up and get to know people," Amio said.

This year, National Transfer Student Week lines up with UNT's Homecoming. The Transfer Center has events planned for transfer students throughout the week, ending with a group tailgate for the Homecoming football game.

"We're going to have grab-and-go breakfast, tie-dye, a resource luncheon, a pizza party before the bonfire and even axe throwing," Amio said. "It's going to be a lot of fun, and I can't wait for transfer students to enjoy it."