The University of Washington has deepened its commitment to transfer students by redefining a position in the office of First Year Programs. The title of this new position is Transfer and Commuter Programs Coordinator.
My name is Namura Nkeze and I am excited to join First Year Programs as the coordinator of Transfer and Commuter Programs. As the coordinator I am in charge of Transfer and Returning Interest Groups (TRIG) program as well as transfer student orientation. Before building on current programs I am taking the opportunity to survey what is currently being done across campus for these populations.
There are many services and programs created to address transfer students needs, however what I am finding is a disconnect between the creators of these services and programs and the audience they are trying to reach. Ultimately, it is my goal to create avenues by which the two can meet in addition to creating new programs and services that create community and allow the voices of transfer and commuter students to be heard. I know that this is will take time but it is exciting to know that I have partners across the UW as well as in the community college system who are willing to help.
Part of the work I have been doing over these past couple of months has involved meeting with colleagues across campus and in the community college system to begin to define the needs of transfer students. I have also been looking at other four-year institutions in state as well as out of state. If you have any suggestions on how the UW can help students better make the transition, please feel free to send your comments to trigs@u.washington.edu.
I look forward to meeting your students during orientation!
