Students Helping Transfer Students

by Doris O’Leske, Program Manager, Transitions Program, Office of Summer Sessions

Experienced students have something new transfer students need—Experience.

And this summer, the Transitions program, offered through the Office of Summer Sessions, needs experienced students to help assist approximately 200 new transfer students who will need the guidance and advice that honors student Jennifer Koepnick sought when she began her studies at UCSB as a transfer student in summer 2006.

“It’s hard for transfers to make the effort to get help,” recalls Jen, who attended Transitions program events to help her start making connections and friends. “We don’t know the campus, we don’t have any friends to turn to and we assume everyone knows each other already.”

Because new transfer students need to adjust quickly to their new campus, Transitions activities aim at offering a broad range of specialized events to assist new Junior transfers with getting to know the campus. Welcome receptions, Meet ‘n Greet gatherings, small group tours and drop-in hours employ student peers who answer questions and teach new students about their campus community.

“Just remember what it was like when you came to UCSB and didn’t know anyone,” advises Jen who will graduate in June with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education. Looking ahead to a career in teaching, Jen looks back at the past two years realizing that without getting involved in Transitions, the Admissions Advocacy program, and an internship program at Student Health, she would feel isolated. “I know I haven’t been here for four years, but I feel like UCSB is my school—it’s heaven.”

Positions as transfer student peers are available to students who will be enrolled in summer courses and can work 10-20 hours during both Sessions A and B. Compensation is available as community service credit and/or an hourly wage of $9 per hour. Attendance at a training session is required along with a strong commitment to the goals of the Transitions program. If you are interested, a brief letter explaining the reason(s) you want to be a transfer peer must be emailed no later than May 30th to:  d.oleske@summersessions.ucsb.edu, Doris O’Leske, Program Manager, Transitions program, Office of Summer Sessions.

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