UMW Celebrates National Transfer Student Week 2026
Students who move from one school to another during their college careers carry with them more than their current GPAs.
Transfer students have specific concerns. How many credits can they carry over? When can they declare a major? How quickly will they make new friends?
National Transfer Student Week 2026 – Oct. 19 to 23 – shines a light on students who switch college campuses on a quest to continue their education and earn a degree. The five-day celebration also honors the faculty and staff who support them along the way.
“National Transfer Student Week is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments and contributions transfer students bring to our university community,” said University of Mary Washington Associate Dean of Admissions Christy Pack. “At UMW, we’re committed to providing the personalized guidance and resources that help transfer students feel supported, connected and ready to reach their goals.”
Students thrive, Pack said, when they find the right fit, a supportive community and meaningful connections during what’s often a pivotal transition, helping them become acquainted with campus and meet classmates, and setting them up for transfer student success. And those who apply by preferred filing dates are automatically considered for Transfer Merit Scholarships.
About 13 percent of all undergraduate college students – more than a million each year – transfer from other schools, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. At Mary Washington, that population is buoyed by a unique in-person orientation experience and transfer-specific support, including dedicated advisors, peer mentors and career counselors.
The majority of transfer students who enroll at UMW come from Virginia community colleges, particularly nearby Germanna, said Assistant Director of Admissions Emily Quickel, Mary Washington’s lead counselor for those matriculating from other schools. Thanks to its Guaranteed Admissions Agreement, UMW enrolls hundreds of students each fall who’ve earned an associate degree in the Virginia Community College System, including schools like Germanna and Northern Virginia Community College.
Events like last week’s “UMW Day,” which brought representatives from Mary Washington’s admissions, financial aid and academic services offices to Germanna, support that process.
As part of these visits, UMW counselors offer Three Tips for a Successful Transfer:
- Apply early. Leave time to complete the application process, submit required materials and address questions that may arise.
- Submit official transcripts and get a transfer credit evaluation. Understand how previous college coursework may apply toward an intended degree and help in planning to fulfill remaining requirements.
- Visit campus. Get a feel for UMW’s academic environment and campus community. Attend an Open House or choose a daily campus visit to explore what life as an Eagle could look like.
Students can meet the transfer admission team at community college visits across Virginia, join an upcoming November Open House or schedule a daily campus visit. For those who want personalized guidance without traveling to campus, virtual admission appointments offer a convenient way to discuss application requirements, transfer credits and next steps.
“Transfer students bring valuable perspectives to campus,” Quickel said, “due to their experiences in community colleges and universities, military service and careers.”
During National Transfer Student Week 2026, visit the Transfer Next Steps webpage for tips on navigating the transfer process at Mary Washington, explore the Transfer to UMW webpage for filing date deadlines and a free UMW transfer application, or schedule a virtual admission appointment. Body of story here…
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