Navigating Transferring and Building Community: The UNC Transfer Program
By Sophia Tavanello
Transferring colleges can be challenging, with classes, credits, friends and family all playing a role in the decision. The University of Northern Colorado worked to make the process smoother this spring by offering academic support, community programs and tailored resources to new students.
“The whole school seemed welcoming,” said Aislinn Archinkorah, a second-year chemistry major. “And I felt like it had the vibe of like a small college, where everybody is more connected.”
Archinkorah transferred to UNC from Ghana, while Maria DiazAyongua, a third-year communication sciences and disorders major, come from Pueblo.
“I feel like I’m enjoying it,” said Maria DiazAyongua, a third-year communication science and disorders major. “I like the professors that I have. I like how it feels like there’s a lot of support here.”
Christopher CerrilloTapia, a junior computer science major and Greeley local, also transferred to UNC this spring, choosing to return to his hometown.
“So, I decided to do UNC because it was just more comfortable,” he said. “It was in an environment I already knew, it was in a location I was already living in for quite some time.”
UNC saw a flux of students transfer to the school this semester. According to university data, 183 students transferred to UNC this spring, including 19 from in-state high schools, 74 from in-state community colleges, 25 from in-state universities and 65 from out-of-state colleges or international locations.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new school, students remained optimistic about their experiences at UNC.
“I mean, I hope everything pulls together and that I continue going here,” Archinkorah said. “It’s a really nice college.”
“Honestly, I really fell in love with the campus, I think it’s so beautiful,” said DiazAyongua. “For me, this actually feels like a college.”
CerilloTapia said his experience at UNC had been positive so far.
“So far from my experience, I’m actually having a pretty good time,” he said.
With a long history, dating back to the 1800s, UNC continues working to expand its campus population and provide a welcoming experience for students, including those transferring from other institutions.
