Photo Submitted by Vanessa Lawrence
The increase in transfer students from two- to four-year institutions has surged nationwide. According to a recent report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, more than one-third of students choose to transfer to universities at least once during their academic careers.
For most students, the newfound freedom and independence that comes with college forms a bond between incoming freshmen that creates lifelong friendships. However, for transfer students, adjusting to a new campus is not always an easy task, and they can often feel ignored.
People can often have preconceived notions about HBCUs that can deter them from attending historically black universities.
This was the case initially for Aliyah Henry.
“FAMU was an option when I was in high school, but I opted not to go there because I knew that it was going to be like social hour and I kind of wanted to create my own path,” Henry said.
After receiving an associate’s degree from Palm Beach State, Henry wanted to attend an in-state university, and decided that FAMU was the best option.
Although the resources for transfer students at FAMU can be limited at first, the connections and experiences are unlimited. Students should be encouraged to take advantage of them, Henry said.
“Minimize your workload so that you can maximize your time on campus and actually get involved and actually develop a love for the university that you attend,” Henry said.
The genuine camaraderie at FAMU and the tightknit community is what draws students near and far to attend FAMU.
Transfer student and president of the Transfer Student Association at FAMU, Adrian Fyne, attended Grambling State University in Louisiana for one year, then came to FAMU for new opportunities and to be closer to home.
“It’s been amazing, nothing that I expected. I got involved, I met a lot of people. I’ve been able to network and most importantly FAMU has provided opportunities for me outside of school,” Fyne said.
For any college student, but transfer students especially, it’s important to have a goal.
“Always have a plan as a transfer student, but most importantly get involved,” Fyne said.
The FAMU IGNITE transfer program outlines the path to earning a bachelor’s degree from start to finish. The program connects students to advisers, professors and alumni. The program gives students access to internships and professional development opportunities as well as study abroad programs and global training experiences.