Transfer Fair encourages students to continue education

By RYAN PRESTON
Contributor

Washtenaw Community College’s October transfer fair took over the Student Center to inform students about the possibility of transferring to a four-year university. The second floor was abuzz with excited students talking to counselors and recruiters from their favorite schools.

Thanks to the Michigan Transfer Agreement, which outlines what students need to transfer in Michigan, students now have a streamlined process for transferring around the state and can focus on picking a school that suits their needs rather than which ones accept their credits.

Schools from all across the state set up booths on the second floor and waved their banners high for students to see. Recruiters sat with grinning faces, ready to answer any and all questions students have about their schools. The sheer number of schools was impressive with around 30 plus schools in attendance, featured colleges ranging from the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising to more technical schools like Michigan Tech.

Smaller schools such as Concordia or Spring Arbor have a typical one-booth, two-representative set ups, while some larger schools such as the University of Michigan having several booths depending on what specific program or college within the university one wants to attend, each with experts ready to answer any questions.

“With around 600 pre-education students attending Washtenaw, it’s important to keep students informed about their options… Michigan is a natural local option,” said Katie Duaka, a recruiter for U-M School of Education.

Washtenaw also had a booth set up for general information for any students looking for basic information about the MTA or what to consider when choosing a school to transfer to.

Some of the busiest booths were Michigan State, U-M and Eastern Michigan University which boast some of the highest transfer rates from WCC. Eastern and U-M along with other colleges in the area, also have articulation agreements with WCC to make transferring easier. U-M also has a specific counselor that visits WCC every week to make information about transferring widely available.

“Eastern is right down the street, and lots of kids at Washtenaw live in Ypsi, so it makes sense to transfer,” said Emily Green, a recruiter from Eastern.

The fair itself lasted from the morning until early evening with students coming and going throughout the school day, keeping the counselors busy.

“It’s about preparedness. My goal is to help students be prepared for the future and be prepared for life,” said WCC student services counselor, Rhonda Gilmore.

Even if transfer fair is over, schools are always stopping by campus to get students interested in their college. If anyone missed the transfer fair, the school calendar has a list of schools and their upcoming visits.

A representative of each of the following schools will be on campus to provide information to interested students at the following times:

Concordia
Oct. 20, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Nov. 2, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
WCC Main Campus, SC first floor

University of Michigan-Flint, School of Management Visit

OCT 21. 9:00am-1:00pm
WCC main campus, SC first floor

Eastern Michigan University Visit

OCT. 21, 1:00pm-5:00pm
OCT 22, noon-4:00pm
OCT 28, 1:00pm-5:00pm
OCT 29, noon-4:00pm
WCC main campus, SC 206

Wayne State University Visit

Oct. 27, 10:00am-2:00pm
WCC main campus, SC first floor

There will also be a transfer workshop, offering general information on how to begin the transfer process available on the following days:

Transfer Workshop

Oct 20 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Oct. 21, 12-1 p.m.
WCC Main Campus, SC 302

For additional information, call 734-677-5102.

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