Students New to USC Aiken Welcomed

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AIKEN, SC (07/07/2018) In addition to freshmen orientation, the University of South Carolina Aiken hosts several orientation sessions specifically for transfer students to ensure they are properly welcomed to campus from day one.

"The goal of transfer orientation is to help students make the transition from their previous campus smooth and to make sure they leave feeling like a Pacer - from their very first visit," said Ana Carbajal-Martinez, coordinator of the transfer orientation program.

"Transfer orientation is important because we want our students no matter when they are coming on to our campus to feel welcomed and know that they have made the right decision to finish their college career here at USC Aiken,"

These tailored orientation sessions just for transfer students is a bit different from the typical freshmen orientation.

"The students who attend transfer orientation are already aware of what college is like; they just need to become more familiar with our campus," Carbajal-Martinez said.

Parents, families and friends are invited to attend too.

"We want guests to be able to feel that their loved one is at a place where they can be successful," Carbajal-Martinez said.

"We want people to be able to know that our faculty and staff care about their [student's] success."

Several veteran Pacers help make sure transfer orientation is a productive and welcoming experience.

Student leaders, called Pacesetters, work closely with Carajal-Martinez to plan the itinerary. Several Pacesetters were transfer students themselves and understand what the incoming Pacers are experiencing.

"Their role is to make sure both parents and students feel comfortable in their decision to choose USC Aiken. Even though their choice has already been made, it is important that we still do our best to make a positive impression," said Jacob Yarbrough, a Pacesetter team leader.

"[Pacesetters] bring a level of enthusiasm and excitement to the program as well as an in-depth knowledge of USC Aiken and everything that we have to offer."