Augusta University celebrates National Transfer Student Week 

Augusta University kicked off National Transfer Student Week on Monday, Oct. 20, recognizing transfer students and celebrating their experiences and successes.  

Transfer students are a growing population for colleges in Georgia. The University System of Georgia enrolled 8,250 new undergraduate transfers in Spring 2025 — an increase of 5.9% over Spring 2024. At Augusta University, more than 450 new transfer students enrolled in Fall 2025, with an additional 210 enrolling during the spring and summer semesters. 

“It’s important that we focus on transfer students because they make up a large population of students in higher education,” said Stephanie Salone, assistant director of Transfer Recruitment. “We want to let prospective transfer students know that it’s possible, and there are people here to help you achieve that goal of getting a four-year degree.”      

Salone works with students to learn their academic needs during the application process. From traditional and non-traditional learners, military or veteran personnel or international students, she partners with AU’s colleges and schools to ensure a seamless transition.    

One of those students is Dylan Jacobson, a first-year cybersecurity major, who transferred from Athens Technical College seeking hands-on faculty, in-person classes and a campus community. Jacobson finally took the leap of faith and applied after his childhood friend, who was already enrolled at AU, encouraged him.  

“I still had a bit of insecurity from my previous academic experience,” said Jacobson. “I remember hoping that there would be a level of understanding in transferring. Everyone has a different experience; everyone has a different story.”     

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions was with Jacobson every step of the way, maintaining an open line of communication throughout the transfer process. Near the end of his application, he booked a campus tour with the 1828 Ambassadors — a visit that sealed the deal.    

“I had an amazing tour ambassador who did a great job at describing the ins and outs of being a student, from what it’s like to change your major to finding your actual passion and identifying what you really want to do in college,” said Jacobson. “I left that tour, driving home and thought that Augusta felt like home; it didn’t feel like a big change. It felt comfortable.”   

Now in his first semester at AU, Jacobson is diving into his major, enjoying the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre’s Cinema Series and taking part in many of Outdoor Recreation‘s climb night events.    

“My biggest advice to prospective transfer students: Keep faith in yourself,” he said. “It’s OK to be scared of moving somewhere new and unfamiliar; you have to tend to your fears and find people who truly believe that you can do it. Augusta University is filled with support systems with transfer students and every student in mind, in fact. It’s important to grab that excitement and curate it, hold on tight to it.”   

Transfer students can also find belonging through on-campus resources that offer career readiness, leadership and community. Many transfer students connect with the Office of First and Second Year Experiences, which supports students transitioning to campus through opportunities like Transfer Students Lunch and Resource Fair and membership in the Tau Sigma Honor Society.  

Angelica Hill, coordinator with FYE/SYE, said transfer students can connect with the office in a variety of ways. One example is the Southern Cities Swing Tour, which invites all students to explore potential career paths and engage with local professionals and alumni through panel discussions.    

“Our initiatives are designed to support transfer students in their academic and social transition, ensuring they feel welcomed, connected and empowered to succeed at Augusta University,” said Hill.    

Jazziell Allen, a fourth-year communication major and psychology minor, transferred from Fort Valley State University. She sought out Augusta University, searching for a transformational college journey rooted in growth and change.    

Allen has made the most of her experience at AU, taking part in the Women’s Leadership Academy, interning at local hospitals, finding her passion and participating in the Southern Cities Swing Tour, where she traveled to Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina.    

“It’s important to engage with on-campus resources because if you’re coming in as a transfer student, you may feel a little behind compared to other students,” said Allen. “When you connect with organizations and join clubs that you’re passionate about, you’ll find that opportunities are limitless.”    

By also connecting with Career Services and Academic Advisement, Allen soon found her calling while interning at the Georgia Cancer Center and Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center. She combined her love of people, community and advocacy, working alongside passionate physicians, cancer survivors, the grievance committee, the Spiritual Health team and patient advocates.   

Without the insight and guidance received from campus offices and mentors, she might have never explored this pathway.    

“This mentorship has been vital for me,” she said. “I’m away from family, so moving to Augusta was a big step for me because I’m very family-oriented, but Augusta University has taken me in like family.”   

Brandon Ragin, a fourth-year cybersecurity major, transferred from Chattahoochee Technical College after earning an associate’s degree in cybersecurity. His previous academic experience earned him an internship with the Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center, where he worked in the Security Operations Center.   

The internship confirmed his choice to continue learning at Augusta University, where he has joined campus organizations like Women in Cyber and participated in the Southern Cities Swing Tour, where he networked with Chamber of Commerce members, local alumni and professionals.   

“From the second I got to AU, I began rethinking and looking inward, finding what I can work and improve on,” said Ragin. “I’ve learned how to talk more, show my worth in the job field and get out of my comfort zone.”   

Recognizing National Transfer Student Week highlights the importance of each student’s journey at Augusta University. More information is available on the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Student’s webpage. Prospective transfer students can learn more about Augusta University by visiting the admissions webpage.

Keep up with upcoming events by checking the AU calendar or by following aug_admissions on Instagram.