Transferring Schools, Trading Uniforms

Dominic Paolo first visited Adelphi last spring when he came to campus as a player for the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) baseball team for a game against the Panthers. He simply loved Adelphi—so much so that he sought out Dom Scala, head coach and assistant athletic director, to ask about transferring. “Between the gorgeous campus, the strong academics and the opportunity to play for the Panthers, it sounded like a perfect fit,” he says.

Paolo, 21 years old and a New York native raised in Florida, is entering Adelphi this fall as a junior, majoring in political science with plans to become a lawyer. Honored as a Rookie of the Week last March by the East Coast Conference and Eastern College Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week, he’ll take the field for the Panthers this coming spring, “most likely,” he says, at a position in the infield.

Adelphi goes out of its way to make transfer students like Paolo feel welcome. “We’re a transfer-friendly institution,” says Christina Koromi, director of transfer admissions. The support Adelphi provides the 700 or so students who transfer each year has not gone unnoticed, with the University earning a place on the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Transfer Honor Roll for the support it gives students transferring from two-year colleges. This fall, 54 percent of Adelphi transfers come from two-year colleges.

Students transferring this fall were attracted by the full range of Adelphi programs. Nursing is the most popular, with 38 percent of new transfers enrolling in it. Close to a quarter of new transfers are entering the College of Arts and Sciences. Business is the third-most popular option, attracting 12 percent.

No matter what program prospective transfer students want to pursue, and whether they’re planning to transfer from a two-year or, like Paolo, a four-year school, Adelphi matches them with transfer counselors who can evaluate their record and develop a customized transfer plan.

The University even offers prospective students an online Transfer Evaluation System (TES) tool that shows how courses from other colleges match up with those at Adelphi.

Adelphi continues to work closely with students once they’ve transferred, helping make the transition as seamless as possible. “Prior to their first day of class, we connect new transfer students with previous transfers who can offer an inside view,” says Koromi, adding that this personalized experience helps new students navigate such issues as transferring credits, finding financial aid and scholarships, and setting their academic and career path, including registering for specialized programs and online options.

In addition to the Office of Transfer Admissions, Adelphi’s Center for Student Involvement sponsors activities such as a T-shirt swap, where transfers can trade in their gear from their previous institution and get “swagged out” with Adelphi gear.

Thanks to all the help Paolo has received from Adelphi’s transfer counselors, he is confident that he has made the right choice in transferring. “I’m excited to continue my academic and collegiate athletic career at Adelphi and can’t wait to get on the field with the team.”