FAQs

Students are selected based on the thoroughness of their application, their interest in the program, as well as their demonstrated understanding of and commitment to it. We use the application to closely find suitable mentors who will be able to assist and support the mentee’s transition to U-M, so complete answers that give us a comprehensive picture of the mentee are very helpful. We also are limited to the number of spots we have available but do our best to provide as many mentoring opportunities for incoming transfer students as possible.

The Transfer Connections staff assigns mentees to their mentor groups according to similarities in academic interest, extracurricular activities, backgrounds, and career goals. In the application, prospective mentees will be asked to indicate which criteria are most important to them. As stated above, we utilize prospective mentee applications to determine group assignments. We cannot always guarantee that a mentee will be placed with mentors who have identical interests in all fields.

Mentees are expected to remain active for the entire semester. We realize that students have multiple interests and responsibilities, which is why Transfer Connections is designed to supplement the student experience and not compete with other obligations. Mentees are expected to actively engage in cohort activities and be responsive to their group members’ communications. Please view the Mentee Contract for more information.

Transfer Connections does not have a tutoring program. However, transfer mentors are great resources who can help you discover the myriad academic resources provided by the University of Michigan. They can also give tips on how to succeed in U-M classes.

Due to capacity constraints, we cannot guarantee that a former transfer student who has already spent a semester or more at U-M will be able to participate in the program. Students in this situation should contact the program director to inquire by emailing [email protected].

Transfer Connections is designed to help you expand your network with and beyond your assigned group. We sponsor large activities and encourage all participants to attend. These program-wide events provide you with a chance to meet other mentees and transfer mentors.

The great thing about Transfer Connections is we provide a wide array of activities that appeal to various interests from community-building social events like our country fair and cider mill trip to learning and resource sharing activities like our Summer Opportunities Workshop. You’ll get the scoop about both mentorship and U-M sponsored activities regularly through our program.

You’ll find Transfer Connections to be a very flexible and fluid program. We are first and foremost a resource for all participants. Each Transfer Connections group creates their own “ground rules” for participation, whether it is scheduling biweekly coffee dates or attending a monthly performance series. Program-wide events will be planned to connect you with other students, faculty and staff outside of your group as well as to expose you to the wonderful opportunities on U-M’s campus!

Transfer Connections is designed to assist you with your overall transition to campus by connecting you with a trained transfer peer mentor who can refer you to the resources and support services available on campus. Other transfer student organizations on campus typically work to improve policies and procedures that affect transfer students and are often student-run. Participation in Transfer Connections does not preclude you from joining other transfer student organizations. We encourage you to make a personal decision based on your individual needs when applying to the Transfer Connections Program.