In the Colorado State University College of Health and Human Sciences, transfer students are an integral part of the community. Coming from a variety of institutions and backgrounds, these students bring a wealth of experience and diversity to our Ramily. We asked six of our current transfer students about their admission journey and how they found their state at CSU. Here is what they said.
How/why did you choose to transfer to CSU?
Josie Farmer
Major: Human Development and Family Studies
“I decided on transferring to CSU because of the community, being able to attend events like the old town corgi parade and create friendships with those I would be seeing in class, in the residence halls, and all over campus. I also decided on CSU for the programs in psychology and human development and family studies. When looking at the outreach in the community and the faculty who were actively participating as well as previously experiencing the field, I knew CSU was the place for me.”
Emma Stark
Major: Social Work (MSW)
“I chose to transfer to CSU because the school where I began my master’s program was not a good fit for me in a lot of ways. I knew that finding a community of supportive people that treat me as an individual was really important to me in making the most out of my experience as a graduate student, and I immediately thought of CSU when I decided I needed to make a change. I attended CSU as an undergraduate and got my B.S. in Human development and family studies, so I knew there was a strong, supportive, and welcoming community of people here.”
How did you choose your major?
Kamal-Craig Golaube
Major: Health and Exercise Science
“At my previous institution, I majored in applied health and fitness, but unfortunately, it was not the major I intended to be in. CSU has a sports medicine concentration, which is what I am interested in and glad that I was able to continue my athletic eligibility while majoring in my exact major. I was able to do two things I loved and am passionate for.”
Josie Farmer
Major: Human Development and Family Studies
“It was not an immediate choice; I came into CSU, knowing I wanted to work with individuals on a therapeutic/helping level, so I chose psychology because that was the most obvious path. It was not until after my second semester, I realized I wanted more real-life experiences. I went to an HDFS change of major meeting where I met the community and advisers I knew I could depend on and utilize those resources better. I had my paperwork finished the next day to change my major to HDFS.”
What was the transition to CSU like? How did you prepare?
Stephen Harvey
Major: Social Work
“The transition was very smooth, and it was easy to do. I do wish I took some classes when I decided to go back, but that was my fault. I have had a terrific adviser who has helped me so much. I am glad I have spent time working with him to figure out my schedule and other questions that I may have had. If you ask for help, it is super easy to receive it. It is up to you if you want to succeed at CSU.”
Annie Bush
Major: Nutrition and Food Science
“Like any major life change, my transition to CSU had some ups and downs, but it ultimately was the best decision I could have made. The people and community at CSU are incredibly welcoming and friendly. There is actually a large transfer student community at CSU, which made it easier to find people in similar situations.”
How has your department and CSU supported your transition?
McKenna O’Donnell
Major: Construction Management
“The advisers in the Department of Construction Management are incredibly accessible. They know their students on a first-name basis, and I think that is the kind of support that can’t be topped. My initial adviser was academically and emotionally supportive through the transition process. CSU also provides transfer student advisers for students at Front Range Community College, and that’s how I learned to break down the application process into bite-sized chunks.”
Annie Bush
Major: Nutrition and Food Science
“Both the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition were friendly, kind, and very helpful when I decided to move schools. Even before I made my final decision to move, I was in contact with advisers and professors who helped me see if my credits would transfer and determine a timely course load so I could graduate on time. I couldn’t have asked for better support.”
Emma Stark
Major: Social Work (MSW)
“The School of Social Work has been amazing at supporting me as a transfer student. From day one, when I communicated with various people in the program about the potential of transferring, they were responsive, kind, and incredibly welcoming to me. Very early on in the process, they connected me with an adviser so I could make an academic plan that fit my journey as well as incorporating me into my cohort. I had so many supportive people close by that were happy to answer my questions, listen to my story, and give me any support I needed. CSU, as a whole, has made me feel like the stress that can come with transferring was absolutely worth it, because I came into a place that really wants me here and will offer the support I need to succeed.”
If you could give an incoming transfer student one piece of advice, what would it be?
Kamal-Craig Golaube
Major: Health and Exercise Science
“For those who are transferring, my advice is to be open to meet new people. Join an organization and start reaching out to your class to make a study group. Be the one who starts the study group so that you can get in contact with your peers. You may find a long-lasting friend. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and answer a professor’s question in class. That shows that you’re not afraid of putting yourself out there. Also, try to attend events CSU hosts, whether through organizations or athletic events. It’s fun to be around individuals that support each other because RAMS take care of RAMS!”
Emma Stark
Major: Social Work (MSW)
“My biggest advice would be to advocate for yourself in any way that you feel you need to. Transferring is such an individualized process for yourself and whatever program you will be joining, so don’t be afraid to make your presence and your needs known. Everyone at CSU wants you to succeed and feel like you have a supportive community around you, so you are never on this journey alone! If you need to, ask questions and make connections with people as early on as you can. The transition will be worth it if you put yourself out there and make a place for yourself here! Welcome to CSU!”
Annie Bush
Major: Nutrition and Food Science
“My advice to future transfer students is:
First, get involved! I was able to find like-minded people through clubs and groups I joined right when I started out on campus. The community at CSU is very welcoming and wants to get to know you — I was nervous about being older than other people joining clubs, but many of the students were in the same class or were upperclassmen. There’s no right or wrong time to join something. If it looks interesting to you, just go for it!
Talk to your advisers early! They have a wealth of knowledge and truly want to be there for you. It is also important to know if your credits will transfer so you don’t have to retake classes you may have taken at a previous institution.
Take initiative and send previous syllabi to your advisers and/or professors if you think a class should count for credit. Sometimes courses do not line up perfectly, and it may seem like the class won’t transfer to CSU, but if you reach out and have a conversation, there may be a chance the credit can transfer over to CSU.
Lastly, have fun and enjoy your time at CSU. Whether you transferred by choice or not, this campus is a wonderful place to be. The community is welcoming, strong, and connected. The classes are empowering and pertinent. And Fort Collins is overall just a great town to be in. Best of luck to all the future transfer students!”
