Insights into Transfers to

Tigers Mentoring Program

Presented by:Haley HamamWill Classen

Meet the Presenters• Haley Hamam–Director of Transfer Council–Senior, B.A. Political Science

• Will Classen–Associate Director of Transfer Council–Junior, B.S. Economics

Today’s Program• About Clemson• Transfer Population• Transfer Council– An Overview and Our Role

• Transfers to Tigers– How It Works– Why It Works– Accomplishments

• Implementation on Your Campus • Questions and Comments

Clemson University: A Brief History

• Land-grant institution founded in 1889 through the will of Thomas Green Clemson

• Clemson offers 380 organizations for students • Our core values are:

– honestly– integrity– respect

• Clemson believes in academic excellence and providing student’s with a social atmosphere conducive to higher learning

Clemson: Our Town• Clemson University is located in the upstate of

South Carolina at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the shores of Lake Hartwell

• Clemson is set in a small college town that attracts students looking for a strong sense of community, school spirit and a love of winning – in academics, in athletics, and in life

Clemson by the Numbers

•Freshman-Sophomore Retention Rate: 90.5%•Transfer Student Retention Rate: 85.8%•Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1•Number of transfer students enrolled in Fall 2010: 1058

•Top Ranking in “Clemson Town-Gown Relations” by 2011 Princeton Review•Top Ranking of “Jock Schools” by 2011 Princeton Review•1st rated Best Value in Public Universities in South Carolina by Kiplinger’s magazine in 2009•3rd ranking for Alumni Giving and Participation among National Universities•5th ranking “our happiest students” by 2011 Princeton Review•13th ranking of Accounting Program among Public Institutions•Ranked 23rd public institution by US News and World Report

Our Transfer Population

• Transfer students represent approximately 30% of new students each academic year

• Bridge to Clemson Program• In-state and Out-of-state four-year institutions

• Technical colleges

Clemson University Undergraduate

Student Government

CUSG

Executive Branch

Student Body President

President’s Cabinet

Freshman Council

Transfer Council

Council on Diversity

Affairs

Legislative Branch

Senate

Judicial Branch

Attorney General

Transfer Council’s Role

• To provide new transfer students an outlet through student government to voice concerns and opinions

• To provide specific programming to support the academic needs unique to transfer students

• Transfers to Tigers Mentoring Program created as a committee

Transfers to Tigers Mentoring Program

• Offers a way for new transfer students to get answers to questions through a relaxed approach

• Mentors and mentees are matched as compatible through applications that identify their interests

• Connects past transfer students with new transfers and makes them feel like a part of the Clemson family

A Few Stats

• First active year: Fall 2009• Approximately 700 mentees in Fall 2010• Approximately 150 mentees in Spring 2011

Mission: Transition

• Academic program TC presents that is a required component for transfer students

• Applications distributed and filled out during program

• Mentors and mentees matched the next day

Mock Presentations

• Our Transfers to Tigers Committee Chairs speak at summer orientation to all parents of the incoming transfer students

• Then, at extended orientation (the day before classes begin), the transfer students hear about this program

Mentors and theirResponsibilities

• Volunteer-based• Receives training Each Semester• Attend Monthly Meetings• New Incentive Program• Weekly E-mails to mentees

Why It Works

• Peer to peer (transfer to transfer)• Honest answers that a student values• Mentors and mentees matched by interests so

advice is always tailored• Mentors genuinely want to help• Committee Chairs are very passionate about this

program• Mentee participation is completely voluntary so if

they are using the program, they really value the service

Data Compilation

• Mentors update log weekly• Google Spreadsheet log can be accessed,

edited, and evaluated easily• Opportunity to reflect on data

Accomplishments

• Increase in mentees and mentors• Received some funding• Data shows that mentees are getting

answers to both academic and social questions

• Mentees are finding ways to be involved

Our Goals

• Begin mentor/mentee contact in the summer prior to enrollment

• Make application available online (Clemson’s and CUSG Website)

• Publish mentor e-mail address• Create informative video and new

brochures• Connect with college advisors

Our Challenge To You

• Bring this idea back to students on your campus• Encourage your transfer students to become more

involved on campus, more proactive with the decisions that directly effect them

• Empower transfer students to feel that they are part of your University’s family from their first day on campus

• Need help getting started? E-mail us!!• Haley: hhamam@clemson.edu • Will: wclasse@clemson.edu

Questions and Comments