UNC Greensboro wouldn’t be what it is without our transfer students, so a week dedicated to celebrating transfers is kind of a big deal around here. This week, special events will honor transfers, who make up a whopping 39% of our student body.
Paths Converge at the G
Just this fall, transfer students accounted for 42% of UNCG’s new students. Although they come with credits from various institutions, more than half (63%) transferred from a North Carolina community college. No matter their previous schools, all arrive with a common goal to graduate from a university that fits their interests and academic needs. It’s a decision that most are grateful they made, especially when they settle in and find a community that supports their success.
About a third of the transfer students at UNCG are 25 years or older. They are built a little differently than your typical college students, but UNCG has resources in place to make sure they get the most out of their time here:
- A special SOAR orientation session is offered to students coming from other universities to ease their transition.
- Connect Transfer Student Living Learning Community offers housing options in Lee and Phillips/Hawkins, where transfer students can live together to take better advantage of specialized resources.
- When classes begin, Transfer2Transfer works to match first-year transfer students with mentors who transferred in previous years. Mentors answer questions to help new students get connected to life at the G.
- Tau Sigma is an academic honor society especially for transfers. With more than 150 active members, the organization promotes campus involvement and academic support for transfers and guides the University in offering resources to support future transfer students.
Spartan Transfer Stories
The growing transfer population at UNCG proves that tailored resources spell success for Spartan transfers, but students tell this story best. Meet a few here:
Juan Lopez Delapaz
- Transferred from University of Pikeville
- B.S. Economics May 24, currently studying for a M.S. Information Technology Management, December 2025
- Career plans: I will work at Bank of America as a global operations analyst next year. With my master’s, I plan to pursue more technical roles within the bank and eventually start my own cybersecurity business.
I felt a strong connection to my community the moment I toured UNCG, and I knew I’d found a place full of opportunities.
Change is necessary for growth. Placing yourself in a new environment gives you a fresh start to redefine yourself and make the most of new experiences. It’s up to you to decide the kind of impact you want to make and how you’ll leave your mark.
– Juan Lopez Delapaz
Haley Drury
- Transferred from University of Tampa
- B.A. Marketing with a concentration in social media, May 2026
- Career plans: I’m planning on starting my MBA in 2027, but in the meantime, I work as a media coordinator at Shanty Town Design. I already work in marketing, but I’m hoping to explore the analytics side in the future.
I’ve always believed that if you’re not happy somewhere it’s okay to go somewhere else, because everyone deserves to get their education somewhere that they’ll thrive.
At UNCG, I was able to join a club that’s fully on campus and I’m the only online member. I also got into Tau Sigma and serve on their e-board. I’m starting a new organization at UNCG specifically for online students to network and develop professionally.
– Haley Drury
Sydney Jones
- Transferred from Rockingham Community College
- B.S. Biochemistry, May 2026; also pursuing accelerated master’s in chemistry
- Career plans: I will do a year of graduate school here at UNCG and graduate with my master’s in spring of 2027. After this, I hope to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research.
If you’re considering transferring to UNCG, go ahead and reach out to faculty in the major you’re considering and ask about the program.
And if you are interested in research, you don’t have to be a UNCG student to start. Lots of professors are open to having visiting students come shadow and learn about their work.
– Sydney Jones
PAIGE Trotter
- Transferred from Davidson County Community College
- B.S. Accounting, May 2027; currently enrolled in the accelerated master’s program
- Career plans: When I finish my MBA, I plan to work in a high-level position for a corporation and run my own construction company. I would also love the opportunity to teach at the university level. I thoroughly enjoy research and writing and consider myself a lifelong learner.
I work full-time as a Company Administrator in addition to being a full-time student. UNCG is flexible and affordable, and my online courses work with my schedule. The education you receive from the Bryan School is relevant and enriching for any career in business.
I’m honored to be Chapter President for both the National Society Collegiate Scholars and Eta Omicron of Tau Sigma. As an online student, leading and being a part of these societies has made me feel more connected and given me more opportunities to visit the campus.
– Paige Trotter
Honoring Transfer Success
These and all our transfer students will be celebrated this week at Transfer Student Week activities. Come out to mingle with fellow transfers at these events around campus.
Transfer Taco Tuesday
Transfer students are invited for lunch at the Taco Bros food truck posted at the Minerva statue from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m on Tuesday, Oct. 21. The first 85 to register get a free lunch! RSVP to receive your voucher.
Transfer Student T-shirt Exchange
On Thursday, Oct. 23, students wearing T-shirts from their previous institutions can swap them out for new UNCG Transfer T-shirts. The New Threads New Beginnings event will be held at the fountain at Moran Commons from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. RSVP to ensure we bring enough T-shirts for the exchange.
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications.
