Transfers mingle at orientation program

Each semester, transfer students from colleges around the world come to the University in search of a change. Some are looking for a new social setting, others for a different academic environment. A large, closely knit group of past transfer students is always waiting to help make their transition to the University as smooth as possible. This semester, 200 new transfers came to the University, selected from an applicant pool of more than 1,200. In cooperation with the directors of the Office of Transfer Admissions, organizers of the student-run Transfer Orientation ensure that each semester new students become involved in the University community quickly. The orientation advisors also organize events that allow transfers to meet other new students. "It's a great way for new and old transfers to get together and spend time in a relaxed setting," said College senior and co-Director of Fall Transfer Orientation Amy Korn, a transfer student from Brandeis University. College sophomore Karalyn Stanley said she has had a smooth transition to the University from the University of Chicago. "I really appreciated the great opportunity to get acclimated to the University," Stanley added. In addition to numerous information sessions about transfer credit and academic advising with University officials, the Fall Transfer Orientation Program included a pizza dinner, campus and city tours, a scavenger hunt and a bash at the 23rd Street Cafe. Engineering junior and transfer advisor Andy Apple added that orientation was a great chance to get involved on campus. Shelley Krause, director of the Office of Transfer Admission, said "Penn is unusual because it brings in transfers as a group in and of itself." Krause said her main goal is to educate the incoming class as to the status of their credit. She also said her office will serve as an advocate to transfer students if University departments deny worthy students transfer credit. Max Jacobs, a College senior and 1993 transfer from Washington University, said he returned as an orientation advisor because of the "help it gave me as an incoming student." And College sophomore Lucy Shanno, a transfer from Vanderbilt University, said she enjoyed dancing at the 23rd Street Cafe, where she met many new friends. Krause said transfer students are often super-motivated and eager to assimilate into the University community. "As a transfer, you often struggle with resistance about your change, on the part of family or friends," she said. "These are people who are capable of overcoming resistance, taking a proactive role and making their education what they want it to be."