Transfer Student Experiences Smoother Transition, Success through KUEC’s Transfer Community Program

Kaitlyn Sy, a senior in the biotechnology program at the KU Edwards Campus (KUEC), credits her academic success to the university’s Science Transfer Community. As a community college student, Sy began cultivating a relationship with Renee Williams, an academic advisor for the biotechnology program. She also became involved with the Science Transfer Community.

KUEC’s transfer communities are integrated programs designed to help students seamlessly transition to the university from a community college. The program’s hands-on approach caters to students’ individual needs by providing opportunities to connect with staff, faculty and other students via one-on-one meetings and campus tours even before they start classes at KUEC.

KUEC’s Science Transfer Community offers hands-on lab experience, networking with industry professionals and advising from KU faculty. It also hosts a large event each year. Recently, the Careers in Science Panel & Networking Event offered students the opportunity to hear from industry professionals, learn about career paths available with a science degree and network with KU Edwards faculty and panelists.

The Science Transfer Community works with students in science-based programs, including JCERT-funded degrees such as applied biological sciences, biotechnology, environmental studies, exercise science, or health sciences.

Transfer communities continue to partner with students well past their integration into KUEC.

“The support you get as a prospective student just prepares you for support you receive once you are a student,” Sy said.

Even now, as a senior, she continues to benefit from the transfer community’s resources. Sy has stayed involved as a transfer ambassador for the Transfer Team, which enables her to pass on knowledge to incoming science students.

“Now that I’m a transfer ambassador, I enjoy getting to help incoming students with things I experienced just a few years ago,” Sy said.

Learn more about all the transfer communities available at KU Edwards.