Students represent the institutions they hope to transfer to.

On Oct. 15, the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College hosted a College Transfer Day. With about two months of planning the transfer day was created to give students who were planning to transfer to a university some idea of where they would like to go by  providing an opportunity to explore options and meet staff from colleges of their choice.

Michael Donnelly, one of the leading forces behind event, worked to make the day a success with the help of counselors, Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center staff and a few volunteers. With about 50-plus colleges represented at transfer day, students were given the ability to explore several possibilities which could greatly aid in their future progress.

Joshua Richey, a counselor who in assisted major College Transfer Day affairs, mentioned that one of the main struggles with hosting the event was reaching students. It was not so much a matter of getting the message out there but rather getting students to listen.

The other major issue was timing the actual affairs. The event itself began at 10:30 a.m. but was scheduled to end two hours later at 12:30 p.m.

“Being a community college,” Richey commented, “is that a good majority of the student population have jobs while they attend NOVA, taking classes in the morning and leaving for work immediately afterwards.” Not all the students have the time to get to the Schlesinger Center since most might be attending class.

Another issue was the conflict of the day’s event with the school holiday.

“Out of sight, out of mind,” Richey stated.

With students nowhere near campus to read signs or posters, they may come back to classes right after Columbus Day without even thinking about College Transfer Day.

But regardless of these conflicts and issues, the event was quite a success. Now counselors and staff are considering making a few changes for next time. Ideas for the next college transfer event include shifting and extending the time from earlier in the day to possibly later, advertising further in advance  and getting student council  involved — anything to better spread awareness.

College Transfer day may not have been an explosive event with large crowds, loud music and excited screams, but it is safe to say that its purpose was achieved.

By: Jamal Jones

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