Transfer Playbook 2.0 Deep-Dive (3-Part Series)
- NISTS Team
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
Building Stronger Pathways: Transforming Transfer Success Through Strategic Action
The Transfer Playbook 2.0 Deep-Dive webinar series brought together leading institutions to share what's working in transfer student success. Co-hosted by NISTS, the Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program, and the Community College Research Center (CCRC), these sessions showcase how community colleges and universities are partnering to improve transfer pathways and increase bachelor's degree completion.
Each recorded session focuses on one of the three core strategies from the Transfer Playbook's second edition. You'll hear directly from institutions that have made meaningful progress—from executive teams who've elevated transfer as an institutional priority, to advisors who've built trust-centered support systems, to academic leaders who've created clear pathways that work for real students with complex lives. These aren't theoretical discussions but practical examples of what's possible when institutions commit to improving transfer outcomes, particularly for historically underserved students.
Whether you're looking to strengthen leadership commitment, redesign academic pathways, or transform your advising approach, these sessions provide concrete strategies you can adapt for your own context.
Leading from the Top: How Executive-Level Commitment Drives Sustainable Transfer Success
Executive leadership can make or break transfer initiatives. This session reveals how partnering institutions like Northern Virginia Community College / George Mason University and Arizona Western College / Northern Arizona University transformed their transfer outcomes through presidential commitment, strategic investments, and bold system redesigns. Learn practical strategies for elevating transfer as an institutional priority and creating sustainable change from the top down.
Clear Pathways, Tailored Plans: Accelerating Transfer Student Success through Aligned Instruction and Advising
Clear pathways aren't just nice to have—they're essential for transfer student success. This session showcases how John Jay College developed dynamic four-year maps that students actually follow, while San Diego State-Imperial Valley creates flexible schedules for working students. Discover how to translate complex academic requirements into personalized educational plans and implement support strategies that meet the diverse realities of transfer students.
Transforming Transfer Advising: Building Trust, Engagement, and Holistic Support
Effective transfer advising goes beyond course selection—it's about building trust and providing holistic support. This session features Northwest Vista College's comprehensive advisor training program, Prince George's Community College's empathy-centered practices that foster genuine engagement, and University of North Texas's mandatory orientation approach that ensures smooth transitions. Learn how to create advising environments where transfer students feel seen, supported, and set up for success.
Moderators
Director, Research & Innovation
Aspen Institute College Excellence Program
Senior Research Associate and Program Lead Community College Research Center | Teachers College, Columbia University
Panelists
Session 1:
Jennifer Nelson, Northern Virginia Community College
Rita Alcala, George Mason University & Northern Virginia Community College (ADVANCE)
Marcy Hurtado, Northern Arizona University
Ashley Herrington, Arizona Western College
Cristina Gonzales, Arizona Western College
Session 2:
Wynne Ferdinand, John Jay College (CUNY)
Alexis Villa, Imperial Valley College
Stefan Hyman, San Diego State University
Session 3:
Amy Bosley, Northwest Vista College
Stephanie Brown, University of North Texas
Antoine Deas, Prince George’s Community College
Kyle Turman, Prince George’s Community College
Emmitt Wyche, Prince George’s Community College
Laura Ellsworth, Prince George’s Community College