NISTS | National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students
National Transfer Student Week
Celebrates Transfer Students
OCTOBER 19-23, 2026
Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library
Every journey deserves recognition.
Each October, National Transfer Student Week (NTSW) shines a light on the students who navigate new campuses and communities, carrying their learning and determination from one college to the next. It's a moment to recognize transfer students, as well as the faculty and staff who support them along the way.
Although NISTS is in a state of transition, the #TransferStudentWeek celebration will continue! We encourage you to use the evergreen resources on this page to plan your programming.
What is National Transfer Student Week?
An annual, nationwide movement that celebrates transfer students and the supporters who champion their success. NTSW empowers campuses across the country to create more welcoming spaces where transfer students do more than just arrive, they thrive.
Why Celebrate Transfer Students?
From navigating credit hurdles to building community on new campuses, the transfer path is complex.
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Transfer students make up nearly 40% of today's undergraduate student population. They bring determination, resilience, and unique perspectives that enrich our campuses. Yet, too often, their journeys and challenges go unseen. NTSW is here to change that. ​
BUILD AWARENESS
Highlight the unique pathways, barriers, and opportunities that define the transfer student experience.
FOSTER BELONGING
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Help transfer and transfer-intending students see themselves as essential members of your campus community.
DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT
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Use the week as a springboard for lasting, student-centered change to foster a more welcoming and inclusive transfer culture.
The Marketing Kit
You lead the celebration. We'll supply the tools.
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The ready-made NTSW marketing kit can help you highlight transfer pride in a way that feels authentic to your institution or organization. Find inspiration, adaptable templates, and examples from campuses nationwide. The kit includes two evergreen design options that you can use year after year: a standard NTSW logo and an editable version to match your school or organization's brand colors.
Who Celebrates NTSW?
NTSW has a place wherever transfer students learn and thrive.
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Hundreds of institutions join the celebration each year, from small community colleges to large research universities. NTSW is flexible and easy to adapt to your campus size and culture, whether you're preparing, receiving, or supporting transfer students.
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Bachelor's Colleges & Universities
Welcome and recognize transfer students as key contributors and vital voices on your campus.
Associate & Technical
Colleges
Inspire, encourage, and support students transferring in and/or as they take their next big step.
Higher Ed Orgs. &
Associations
Amplify awareness about learning mobility and elevate transfer pathways to increase access nationwide.​
When is NTSW?
Mark your calendar!
National Transfer Student Week takes place during the third full week of October:
October 20–24,
2025
October 19–23,
2026
October 18–22,
2027
Can’t celebrate that week? No problem! We’d rather you adapt NTSW to fit your schedule than see you miss out, whether that means celebrating a bit early, late, or in smaller ways to make it work.
Plan your celebration!
Flexible Ideas. Big Impact.
There’s no one "right" way to celebrate. Use our extensive list of categorized ideas to scale your NTSW experience in the most feasible, fitting way, whether you have weeks to plan or just a few moments. From social media shoutouts and student spotlights to panels, workshops, awards, and week-long events, every action builds transfer pride.
Use Stories to
Raise Awareness
Although transfer-focused research has increased over the years, scholarship alone cannot provide a full picture of the transfer student experience. ​Transfer narratives, however, can reveal the negative stigmas and complexity that transfer students face and elevate their resilience. Use their stories to challenge assumptions, build empathy, and improve the policies and practices on your campus.
GET INVOLVED
Simple steps to join the movement
Getting started is easier than you think. Participation in NSTW isn’t complicated. It just begins with intention.
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Download the Marketing Kit
Access adaptable graphics, flyers, posters, t-shirts, and more
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Pick Celebration Ideas
Choose two or three that fit your time and resources.
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Promote Widely
Use #TransferStudentWeek, visible displays, and your campus channels.
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Highlight Student Voices
Feature transfer stories through posts, events, newsletters, and more.
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Reflect & Grow
Gather feedback, celebrate wins, and plan for next year.