Programs encourage transfer participation

Going to college can be daunting. How do I sign up for classes? Where is this building located? How do I get involved?

These are questions asked by freshman and transfer students alike. According to USM's Student Success Career website, transfer students make up half the student body at Southern Miss. These students have gone to community or junior colleges, have left other universities to attend this one or are returning to earn a degree.

To help these students, the Office of First Year Experience offers a number of resources to ease the transition to university life.  One of these resources is the University Studies (UNV) 301 class, which teaches new transfer students how to navigate the university and succeed academically in order to reduce the "transfer shock" some may experience. The Student Success Center, located in McLemore Hall, is also available to answer questions and guide students in their academic journeys.

For transfer students who want to plug into campus life, Southern Miss offers three transfer-specific programs. The first of these is Phi Theta Kappa, a national honors society at community and junior colleges, Alumni Association, which provides a way for members to contribute their knowledge and leadership skills gained at their previous schools within the same organization. The second is Tau Sigma, a national honor society for transfer students who attain a 3.5 or higher GPA during their first semester at USM.  The third is the Transfer Leadership Board, which fosters networking among transfer students and provides support as they adapt to life at the university.

A new facet of transfer programming is the Transfer Student Success Lunch Series, which debuted this past fall.  From 12:20 p.m. until 1 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month, guest speakers are invited to prepare students for academic advisement, getting involved, utilizing campus resources and preparing for graduate and professional work after graduation. Refreshments are also served in this relaxed environment.

"Our transfer students come with some unique experiences, and our transfer students really bring a very unique perspective to the table," said Ashley Cangelosi, manager of transition programs at Southern Miss.

Another new program offered to transfer students this semester is Golden Eagle Winter Week, which runs today through Friday.  Eagle Landing locations will be available across campus throughout the week for students to ask questions and pick up a map or Student Survival Guide.  A themed dinner will be held Wednesday night at the Fresh Food Company, and on Thursday night students are invited to attend the Lady Eagle basketball game against Memphis.

"I think it's important to recognize that our students who are transferring have experience in being a college student, whether at a community college or at a four-year institution," Cangelosi said.  "They are bringing experiences and knowledge with them, but we also want them to know that we're here to help them navigate the Southern Miss system.  We really want to direct our students to those resources and to meet the needs of the students."

Sarah Miller, a junior elementary education major from Madison, Miss., transferred to Southern Miss from Holmes Community College last spring because of its renowned teaching program.  

"I had some friends that transferred in this past fall, and we all decided to go through GEWW together," Miller said.  "I think that making friends has been the same as it would have been when I was a freshman, if not easier. All it really takes is putting yourself out there and be willing to talk to people."

Anthony Lopez, a senior exercise science major from Crosby, Miss., transferred after graduating from Southwest Mississippi Community College.  Since his time at USM, Lopez has learned of the resources offered to transfer students and discovered that ultimately Southern Miss was the best fit for him.

"I have loved every second I have been on this campus," Lopez said.  "Every semester is a new adventure for me, and I am thrilled to call myself a Golden Eagle.  I have achieved things that I never would have thought could be possible for a transfer student.  I can't wait to see what is in store for me in the rest of my time here."

Cangelosi hopes even more transfer students get involved in these various organizations as well as all the others offered at Southern Miss to contribute ideas, find their places, leave their marks and reap all the benefits obtainable at the university.

"The more students we have involved, the more minds that can come together to say, ‘I think that there's a need here.  How can we fill that?'" Cangelosi said. "Our transfer students are really making a difference at Southern Miss. They are passionate and excited."

For transfer students interested in getting involved in their organizations, Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association's first meeting is on Feb. 7 in Thad Cochran Center Room 216, the Transfer Leadership Board's is on Feb. 14 in TCC Room 227, and Tau Sigma's is on April 17 in the Black Conference Room of the Student Activities Hub. The first of the lunch series is Feb. 28 in the Student Activities Hub. For more information, contact the Office of First Year Experience at 601-266-6405 or stop by McLemore Hall Room 207.