Columbia State Community College recently welcomed advisors, mentors and faculty to its inaugural Transfer Matters Advising Summit, held at the Williamson Campus.

The summit was designed to strengthen collaboration between Columbia State and university representatives, while providing faculty and staff with the tools needed to better guide students through the transfer process.

The event brought over 150 participants from 12 colleges and universities.

Participants attended a series of group discussions, academic division-based breakout sessions and question-and-answer sessions that focused on how to ensure students experience a smooth transition from Columbia State to four-year institutions.

A swap meet session with Middle Tennessee State University presenters was also held and featured topics including prior learning assessments, joint service transcript for military students, adult learners, and converting an Associate of Applied Science degree to a Bachelor of Science degree.

“Transfer is serious business,” said Freda Pillow, Columbia State Career, Transfer and Veteran Center coordinator, and Transfer Matters Advising Summit event coordinator. “Continued student success is important to the viability of our communities, particularly after students complete an associate degree at a community college and then transfer to the university for their bachelor's degree.”

According to the Transfer and Progress Fall 2023 Report of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, students who transfer after completing an associate degree graduate at a higher rate, with 71% earning a bachelor’s degree within four years.

“The Transfer Matters Advising Summit was amazing!” said Chiquita Bullock, Columbia State college success advisor and summit presenter. “It was great to see our university partners communicate and collaborate with us and one another to better understand the needs of our students.”

The colleges and universities that attended set up booths for advisors and mentors to stop by and learn more about their specific transfer path, and how to streamline the process for prospective students.

Colleges and universities represented at the summit included:

• Belmont University
• East Tennessee State University
• Fisk University
• Lipscomb University
• Middle Tennessee State University
• Tennessee State University
• Tennessee Technological University
• The University of Memphis
• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• The University of Tennessee, Martin
• The University of Tennessee Southern
• Western Kentucky University

“It was an exciting day!” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “The enthusiasm of the university and community college faculty and staff in collaboration for improved transfer processes was exhilarating. I applaud all who spent their day talking about students and building pathways for their success.”

Columbia State plans to build upon the success of the inaugural summit, using participant feedback to develop future transfer trainings, strengthen partnerships and continue to enhance the higher education transition experience for all students.