People and Community University

Celebrate National Transfer Student Week

Tau Sigma National Honor Society and the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement host a week of interactive events honoring transfer students Oct. 19-25.
Students cross the Lakeside Patio
Students walk along the Fate Bridge over Lake Osceola. Photo: Evan Garcia/University of Miami

Before Mallory Blum was assigned a transfer assistant through the University of Miami's Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement at 'Cane Kickoff, she felt out of place and disconnected from her peers. 

“My first semester, I was in a weird position because I was from Miami, living on campus, and a transfer student,” said Blum, a senior studying psychology who transferred from Emory University. “I would talk to people about it, and they wouldn’t really get it because a lot of them were coming from out of state. It wasn’t until I met my TA that I found someone I could relate to.”

Blum is now a transfer assistant herself, and she looks forward to providing that same support to incoming transfer students. Adjusting to a reformed fall semester due to the pandemic, she looks forward to National Transfer Student Week, hosted by Tau Sigma in collaboration with the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement. 

The weeklong celebration, from Oct. 19-25, is being led by Fedelene Camille, president of Tau Sigma and a senior majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. She transferred from Miami Dade College on a prestigious scholarship in 2018. 

“Being a transfer student is something that I take pride in,” Camille said. “I am looking forward to celebrating the transfer experience and spreading transfer pride across campus.” 

The week includes of the following interactive events, held on the Student Center Complex Lakeside Patio. 

  • Motivational Monday on Monday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Tau Tuesday on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Service Day on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
  • Transfer Student Panel at 7 p.m. and Tau Sigma After Dark at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22.
  • Tau Sigma Induction Ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m. 

“I’m honestly looking forward to all of the events—all of them are going to be great,” said Blum. “I helped plan Tau Sigma After Dark, and we have a DJ who is going to put on a virtual concert for everybody to hang out and chill.” 

Camille wants transfer students to know that college is easier when you’re not doing it alone. 

“The best way to meet people is through campus involvement, so get involved and stay connected,” said Camille. “Start by attending the transfer week events. There will be many opportunities for students to get involved, meet other transfer students, and learn about the resources available for you. We can get through these difficult times together.”

Beyond events for students, Camille and her team are encouraging faculty and staff participation with a social media campaign titled “I Was a Transfer Student.” 

“The purpose of this campaign is to normalize and celebrate the transfer student experience,” said Stephanie Fleitas, assistant director for the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement. “We want transfer students to know they are not alone and that we all would like to help them feel a sense of belonging at the University and celebrate their success.” 

Interested faculty and staff members can fill out this survey before Oct. 23 to be featured.

For more information regarding National Transfer Student Week, visit Engage or follow @canestagram on Instagram.