Creating a better transfer student experience. Together.

For over twenty years, NISTS was the only national organization solely focused on transfer student success.

In collaboration with many, we worked across functional areas and institutional sectors to build a community that equipped professionals, faculty, and administrators to be transfer champions who partner together to challenge inequitable systems and transform the transfer student experience.

Although October 31, 2025 marked the end of an era as we sunset the organization as it was founded, the work of NISTS will continue at a carefully selected successor organization. Until further notice, we invite you to access an archived version of our website content to enhance your work.

To learn more about NISTS's evolution, please visit the NISTS Legacy webpage.

Updated Standards Now Available

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The completely revised CAS Standards for Transfer Student Programs and Services (TSPS) are ready to use. This first major update in over a decade reflects current research, policy, and best practices in the field. The standards provide a framework for supporting the entire transfer journey, helping institutions build comprehensive, evidence-based programs and policies for the million+ students who transfer each year.

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Advisor assisting a student working on a laptop

Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library

Our Signature Programs

NISTS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The NISTS annual conference provided relevant and practical strategies for improving transfer student policies, programs, and supports at both community colleges and universities. Although we're no longer hosting this transfer-focused event, you can still explore the conference archives to find new ideas for your work.

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Knowledge Center

Six Gifts for Transfer Professionals

Janet is passing the baton to the NRC team, but not before shining the spotlight on our amazing transfer professionals. In her “love letter” to the community, she explores the six important gifts every transfer champion should bestow upon themselves as they navigate the exhilaration and exhaustion that is higher education transfer.

NISTS BLOG

Our Legacy: Creating Community, Elevating Voices, Transforming Transfer

For nearly a quarter century, NISTS was a force for change in higher education transfer. This retrospective explores how the organization built community, elevated student and professional voices, advanced equity-focused research and practice, and helped transform national understanding of the transfer student experience.

NISTS BLOG

The 5 Pillars of the Transfer Student Experience—Laying the Groundwork for Student Success

To address the full transfer journey, we've identified five pillars that form the foundation of a successful transfer student experience. The transfer experience should be Prioritized, Equitable and Inclusive, Comprehensive, Collaborative, and Student-Centered. By focusing on these five pillars, we can lay the groundwork for student success and create a more welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

NISTS BLOG

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