Transfer Student Transitions
Welcome Transfer Students!
We are excited that you have decided to join the Westfield State Community to continue your degree!
Whether you decide to commute or live on campus, have decided on your major or are taking time to explore your options, attended another 4 year institution or a community college, our program is designed to help you learn about the differences between your previous institution and Westfield State. We understand that you have already experienced college, and that each transfer student has different reasons for making a change. Our Transfer Orientation programs are designed to give you the opportunity to meet other incoming students, administrators, faculty and staff, and make sure you make a connection to your new University.
You will be led through the program by an Orientation Leader, who will be with you every step of the way as you attend sessions to learn about important campus resources, and get a feel for the Westfield State University community. They will be your resource as you transition out of your old institution and into ours.
Transfer students are also encouraged to let parents, family members, and other allies know that we offer a Champions Program. Information about our program and our Champions Network can be found on our Champions Page.
We look forward to connecting with you, and hope to build even more excitement for when you arrive at the start of your first semester at Westfield State University!
Please use the sections below for more information.
What should I expect?
As an incoming Transfer Student there is a lot of information that is sent your way and many tasks that you are expected to complete. Our team is here to help you navigate through all of it. Please use the sections below to learn more about the two different onboarding experiences that you will participate in to help you succeed as an Owl.
Experience 1: Academic Advising and Registration
Brittany Garand, Transfer Advisor from the Office of Academic Advising, will contact newly accepted transfer students via email about building their first semester schedule. Course schedules are created based on the department’s recommendations for major courses, along with common core courses and the preferences students provide on the questionnaire. Some preferences may not be honored for various reasons including, but not limited to: academic programs recommend specific course sequences, major requirements or restrictions, prerequisites, remaining course availability, and limited days and times of course offerings. Students will receive notification via their Westfield State student email once their schedule is completed. Brittany also provides students with additional key information about next steps and campus resources. Students may request to meet with Brittany if they would like to discuss additional degree requirements, possible schedule changes or have additional questions.
As you are waiting to receive communication from Brittany, please visit the Transfer Student Advising webpage where you can find additional information regarding important steps a student must complete to prepare for the upcoming semester.
Experience 2: Transfer Student Orientation
Welcome to the Main Event. Your official Orientation Program. We are offering two different options for Transfer students in January. Please read about both options and register for the program that best meets your needs as a student.
Individual Appointments:
Transfer students are able to sign up for an appointment block during period of January 9th - 13th. Appointments will take place between 9am and 4pm each day. Students will meet with an Orientation Leader and be offered a full campus tour, along with introductions to various departments that are here to help students in their success. Students will be provided the opportunity to take care of any business items they may have and ask any questions they need answered before the semester begins.
Early Arrival and Full Program:
Students living on campus are invited to move-in early on Saturday, January 14th from 10am - 2pm. There would be evening programming offered for any students on campus.
Commuter Students that would like to participate in the full program, may join us on Sunday, January 15th beginning at 9am for an Orientation Program. The morning will consist of learning about resources on campus, followed by lunch. The afternoon is optional student led sessions and panels about the Westfield State Student Experience. All events will end at 4pm.
All students are required to participate in one aspect of New Student Orientation. Session attendance is tracked for all students.