Campus Community

Seattle University Honored for Transfer Student Program

Written by Dean Forbes

February 5, 2018

New students at summer orientation sitting in the grass outside the Student Center

Image credit: Yosef Chaim Kalinko

The national honor society Phi Theta Kappa has recognized Seattle University among four-year institutions for their work in attracting and supporting community college transfer students.

The national honor society Phi Theta Kappa has recognized Seattle University among four-year institutions for their work in attracting and supporting community college transfer students. Seattle U was the only university in the state to be included in the honor society’s 2018 Transfer Honor Roll.

Phi Theta Kappa, the oldest, largest and most prestigious honor society for transfer students, recognized 112 colleges and universities this year.

Open to all regionally accredited baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, the Transfer Honor Roll recognizes excellence and success in developing pathways for community college transfers. To be considered, participating institutions complete an application detailing their community college transfer programs and are evaluated in the areas of scholarship and financial aid, admissions outreach, student support services and student engagement opportunities.

Community college students often face more challenges than others when it comes to being accepted to four-year institutions and completing an undergraduate degree. Universities that understand the diversity and unique qualities of transfer students do a better job of recruiting this pool of talent and helping them to succeed, according to Phi Theta Kappa.

Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said the honor roll reflects the growing importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of community college transfers and promoting and sharing best practices for transfer success. Colleges and universities that provide high-quality programs and services to transfers benefit from the rich perspective and diversity these students bring to the student body and, ultimately, to the nation’s workforce.

“Seattle University is grateful to receive this important acknowledgement of our efforts to help transfer students enroll and achieve success,” says Melore Nielsen, Seattle U dean of admissions. “This honor reflects the dedication and support of the entire Seattle U community that recognizes the importance of transfer students and the many ways they enrich the student body.”