ETSU has a new way to attract students from area community colleges – Transfer Days.
Last fall, ETSU faculty and staff began traveling to community colleges in Northeast Tennessee to spread the word that transferring from a two-year school to ETSU to finish a bachelor’s degree is getting easier.
The implementation of articulation agreements between ETSU and many community colleges means students can transfer from a two-year school to ETSU in a seamless transition, rather than on a credit-by-credit basis.
The agreement outlines which courses to take at a community college to complete the hours required for an associate’s degree, and which ETSU courses to take after transferring to complete a bachelor’s degree.
By following the transfer plan and completing the associate’s degree, students will meet the requirements for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at ETSU.
But academics are only a part of the whole college experience, and that’s where Transfer Days comes in.
It’s more than your average college fair, said Carla Warner, director of the Adult, Commuter and Transfer Services office.
“We’re trying to really bring in a total package,” she said. She said students need to know who to call when they have problems, and that is part of the information transmitted to them at Transfer Days.
“We wanted it to be fun and festive,” Warner said. Balloons in blue and gold, ETSU’s school colors, decorate the tables and booths, and there are also give-aways.
The colorful atmosphere sets the stage for students to receive information on not only academics, but also student services and campus life.
Last year’s Transfer Days was a “big success,” Warner said. “They could find out about student life issues as well as academic issues,” she said. “We had most every department and college represented.”
Representatives from the admissions and financial aid offices participate in Transfer Days, as well as student affairs units including campus recreation; career placement and internship services; student life and leadership; adult, commuter and transfer services; multicultural affairs; housing and residence life; disability services; the counseling center and the orientation office.
The Office of Articulated Programs will also have a representative on hand to answer questions about transfer credits.
The event seems to be doing the trick. “We had 100 more new transfers this fall than we had last fall,” Warner said.
She said the articulation agreements and an updated, more user-friendly admissions department Web site also are having an effect on transfer student increases.
It is also a way for ETSU faculty and staff to get to know their counterparts at the community colleges.
“It’s part of the goal to get to know one another for the students’ benefit,” Warner said.
Different community colleges have different interests, she said. For example, Northeast State Technical Community College students have a particular interest in construction technology, digital media, education, social work and nursing. Students at Walters State Community College are more interested in music and art. Warner said the differing interests are based on what degrees the two-year schools offer.
Transfer Days was held at Northeast State Technical Community College, Blountville, on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the student services building; Other scheduled events will be held at Pellissippi State Technical Community College, Knoxville, on Oct. 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and at Walters State Community College, Morristown, on Oct. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Student affairs representatives will be present at only the events at Northeast State and Walters State.

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