National Student Transfer Week: How BGSU helps transfer students find their place

The University offers numerous resources to help transfer students connect to the learning community

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

When Jacklyn Nolan transferred to Bowling Green State University two years ago, she initially felt overwhelmed by the large student population and expansive campus.

Determined to find her place at the University, Nolan eagerly attended the BGSU Campus Fest during her first semester, confident that getting involved in student organizations would help her adjust to the change.

“There was a bit of culture shock when I first arrived on campus,” Nolan said. “I’m from a small town and went to a small community college, but I knew getting involved and meeting other students would help me feel like a part of the BGSU community.”

Now in her second year at BGSU, Nolan, a communication disorders major, serves on the executive boards of two student organizations, has built a tight-knit community and partners with the BGSU Office of Orientation and Transitions to advocate for and support fellow transfer students.

“There are so many opportunities to be immersed in the BGSU community,” Nolan said. “I’m grateful I took advantage of getting involved because it helped me find my place at BGSU.”

As the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student experience and opportunities, BGSU remains committed to empowering students to embrace personal and engaged learning experiences while benefiting from all the opportunities a comprehensive research university provides.

In support of those efforts, BGSU offers a wide range of resources to help transfer students like Nolan transition smoothly into the learning community.

The Office of Orientation and Transitions connects transfer students to comprehensive services and resources to help them succeed at BGSU, providing individualized support to accommodate each student’s unique journey.

“We know that the transfer experience is different for everyone,” said Holly Metzger, coordinator of orientation and transitions. “Our goal is to meet each student where they are by offering support and connection to our campus, providing them with essential resources and helping them feel empowered as they begin the next step in their educational journey at BGSU.”

As another form of community building, the Office of Orientation and Transitions recently began holding transfer-specific orientations for incoming students. During the events, Nolan and fellow transfer student Everett Weaver sat on panels to answer questions and offer advice to incoming transfer students.

“It was a great experience to share what we’ve learned with fellow transfer students,” Weaver said. “It’s just another example of BGSU finding new ways to ensure students feel welcome the minute they arrive on campus.”

The newly established Transfer Student Association, one of nearly 400 student organizations at BGSU, further complements those efforts by providing students with an additional opportunity to deepen their sense of belonging and connection to the University.

“Our goal is to build a community,” said Weaver, president of the Transfer Student Association. “Having a support network has been so important for my educational journey. I want to be a part of something that ensures transfer students feel welcome and connected to our University.”

The Office of Orientation and Transitions is hosting a variety of events from Oct. 21-25 to celebrate National Transfer Student Week.