For some students, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga isn’t the first stop on their collegiate academic journey.
National Transfer Student Week—taking place Oct. 19-23—aims to help students find their place on campus. This year’s University theme is “Rooted at UTC.”
“We want people to plant roots here, transfer students or otherwise,” said Melissa Laseter, director of Student Success Programs at UTC. “Transfer students have chosen to come here and they come with a set of experiences. They’re not new at all of this, and we want them to put down roots here.”
During the week, students will have the chance to grab free UTC swag and food while learning about campus resources.
Laseter said her favorite part of the week is connecting with students during the events.
“I’m just trying to make sure we have an opportunity to meet and give them somebody that, if they have a question about something, there’s another connection point,” she said. “We say a transfer student comes in already having a set of skills, a set of knowledge, but everything’s a little different depending on where you go. So it’s nice to know where you can go to get some help to get that information.”
The week also gives students a chance to give back to the local community. On Friday, Oct. 23, students will build hygiene kits for Partnership for Families, Children and Adults.
“This month is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Laseter said, “so we’re doing kits for a local organization that works with domestic abuse victims. You don’t have to be a transfer student either. To me, it’s important to make sure that there’s something for you and something you have a chance to give away.”
For UTC senior Amanda Sasmita, giving back to the transfer community has been a priority. A nursing major from Denver, Sasmita transferred from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colorado, in 2024.
Scheduled to graduate in December, Sasmita works as a Transfer Mocs Mentor and has helped students who feel overwhelmed or unsettled on campus.
She explained that events like Transfer Student Week help with that process.
“Having a sense of community in place, like a transfer week, and knowing that you’re being celebrated in a place where it already feels unfamiliar to you is really important,” Sasmita said. “I remember coming in as a transfer student and I moved across the country. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t know the school’s culture.
“Having a place, or having a whole week where you feel like you belong … is really important to feel included in the activities. It helps you feel like you can go out and do other things, and have that sense of community to back you up as you continue your schooling journey.”
Fellow Transfer Mocs Mentor Asha Lee will volunteer during Transfer Student Week. Lee transferred from Chattanooga State Community College and is an applied leadership major and a member of the Innovations and Honors Program.
She explained that her experience at UTC could benefit incoming students.
“I’m very much a sponge,” Lee said. “I was able to get into honors and be a Chancellor Ambassador. I do peer mentoring, peer academic coaching and I also have an internship. Because I’m a sponge and I make connections, and not everyone is like me, I want to help others advocate for themselves. There are so many different resources and stuff on campus.”
Transfer Student Week calendar:
Monday (Oct. 19)
- 2-4 p.m., Rooted and Ready, Heritage Plaza.
Pick up UTC transfer swag and some supplies to fuel your week.
- 4:30-5:30 p.m., Rooted and Ready, UTC Library Room
Learn how to start your research journey with the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE).
Tuesday (Oct. 20)
- 9-11 a.m., Grounds for Connection, Lupton 120.
Enjoy coffee, meet new people and fuel up for the day.
Wednesday (Oct. 21)
- 1-3 p.m., Bloom Where You’re Planted, Chamberlain Circle.
Remember your own growth by taking home a potted plant to nurture.
- 3-4 p.m., Bloom Where You’re Planted, Guerry Center Reading Room.
Transfer 2 Transformation: Fun activities and networking, with snacks provided by the UTC Honors College.
Thursday (Oct. 22)
- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Cultivate Community, The Aviary at Stacy Town Center.
Build your community, eat lunch and play games.
Friday (Oct. 23)
- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Plant a Little Good, Chamberlain Circle.
Drop by to help build hygiene kits to support the local community.
Learn more
