Whether it’s due to increased tuition, better programs or a bad breakup, sometimes a school transfer is inevitable. Just as inevitable are the headaches that come from switching universities. Horror stories tell of lost credits, useless classes and repeated courses. So why go through the hassle? What is the process really like? Can these problems be avoided?

When first considering a transfer from USU, students should visit www.usu.edu/transfer. There is a transfer guide, offering information about credit articulation, a list of advisers, among other things. On the transfer Web site, students can also see frequently asked transfer questions, such as, “How should I begin the transfer process?” and, “What questions are transferable?” On the Web site, students can see how their credits will transfer from USU to other schools in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, even BYU-Hawaii.

The Web site also offers advice for students transferring to USU. They would begin by filling out an application. According to the transfer Web site, once accepted by the university, transfer students send their transcripts in for evaluation of credits.

Lisa Hancock, program administrator for New Student Orientation, said the transcript is then sent to the Admissions Office and finally posted to the USU student record. She explained that articulation workers in the Registrar’s Office determine USU equivalency for the submitted credits. This is determined based on material covered by the submitted courses and how well they match up with USU courses. Finally, it becomes business as usual for the student as they continue their collegiate courses at USU.

When asked what the biggest problems seem to be for transfer students, Brandy Reeves, program coordinator for Articulation and employee of the Registrar’s Office, said many problems come from schools lacking accreditation.

“The biggest challenges for transfer students are most often related to transferring from institutions which are not regionally accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations,” Reeves said. “USU does not automatically accept credit from schools who are not regionally accredited, such as Stevens Henager or most campuses of the University of Phoenix.”

Reeves offered a helpful suggestion for transfer students in this situation.

“However, if a student chooses to, they may do a little extra leg work and speak with their adviser, as well as the individual academic departments to determine if any exceptions can be made,” she said.

The big question is why would a student go through the hassle of transfer? Adam Snow, junior studying business administration, transferred to USU from the University of Utah in fall 2008. He said some students transfer because they dislike their current university.

“I transferred because I really didn’t like the (University of Utah),” he said. “That place just isn’t friendly.”

Shane Johnson transferred from BYU in 2007 and is now a senior in the parks and recreation program at USU. He also expressed dissatisfaction as a reason for transfer.

“I wasn’t enjoying BYU and when I changed my major I was studying there. I had no reason to stay,” he said. “I had only heard really good things about USU.”

The final challenge for most transfer students is the transition from one university to another. Snow offers suggestions for transfer students going through this transition.

“I’d say the best thing a transfer student can do to transition is to get involved in some way,” he said. “School activities and games, that’s how you get to know the personality of the school the best.”

Johnson agreed that involvement is the best way to transition.

“Get involved in the school,” Johnson said. “That’s the quickest way to meet the people of the new school and participate in all the activities the school offers. It’s exciting to start fresh, so just try it.”

Reeves advises students considering transfer to become informed and to do as much research as they can.

“My biggest suggestion for students is to do their research and become as informed as possible on their education,” she said. “If a student is considering transferring to USU, I would encourage him or her to research USU’s Web site to learn what our transfer policies are.”

Transfer information can be found at www.usu.edu/transfer/guide.

– k.vandyke@aggiemail.usu.edu