Class of 2015
Transfer Students
FAQs
Transfer students may find the following answers to frequently asked questions helpful. If you have a question that does not appear, please contact either the Associate Provost's Office (for academic questions) at 410-778-7206 or the Student Affairs Office (for non-academic questions) at 410-778-7752.
Academic/General Questions
How many students transfer into Washington College every year?
The number of transfer students fluctuates each year, but typically there are between 25 and 45 students who choose to transfer to Washington College. Transfers play an important role in the Washington College community because they bring a unique perspective to the campus and a keen appreciation for all that Washington College has to offer.
Who do I talk to about transferring my credits from my previous institution?
All admitted applicants receive a preliminary credit review of their transcripts within 2-3 weeks of the admission decision. The registrar's office performs an official review of the final transcript prior to entering Washington College.
Students transferring to Washington College from a Maryland community college may review their transfer credits through the University of Maryland ArtSys program on the internet at artweb.usmd.edu.
The maximum number of credits that will transfer is 72, from both a 2- and a 4-year institution.
Any questions you have about your credits at a former institution and the transfer of those credits should be directed to the registrar's office (410-778-7299). Questions about registering for classes and the academic requirements at Washington College should be directed to the Associate Provost's office (410-778-7206).
Will I have to take an English 101 and/or a GRW (Global Perspectives: Reading & Writing) course?
This depends upon how many credits you are entering with. Generally, students with 31 or fewer credits are required to take both the ENG 101 and GRW courses.
How will I be assigned an academic advisor?
Transfer students with at least 32 credits are encouraged to declare a major so that they can be assigned an advisor in that discipline. Otherwise, we will attempt to assign you to an advisor in an area that you have expressed academic interest or intend to major.
I didn't attend any of the Summer Advising Days and don't have my e-mail account set up yet. How can I do that?
The Office of Information Technology is responsible for acquainting you with the relevant technology issues on campus and can assist you in getting your e-mail and other related on-line accounts set up. You can e-mail them at helpdesk@washcoll.edu or call the Help Desk at 410-778-7777.
Residential Life
Do I have to live on campus?
All first- and second-year students are required to live on campus. Under certain conditions, the off-campus review committee may decide to allow an exemption. Students requesting an exemption from the housing requirement must complete both the Housing Exemption Form and the Off-Campus Information Form, found at: http://residentiallife.washcoll.edu/pdf/.
If I'm living on campus, will I live with another transfer student?
Housing is done according to compatibility rather than whether or not you are a transfer student. Therefore, you may be housed with an upperclassman, another transfer student, or possibly a freshman. The housing process takes several factors into consideration, such as neatness and study habits. Roommates/suitemates are matched accordingly. If you have specific questions about your housing assignment, please contact Associate Dean and Director of Residential Life, Carl Crowe at residential_life@washcoll.edu or by calling 410-778-7752.
Orientation
What type of orientation program will I attend?
All new students are required to attend the College's new student orientation. However, we do differentiate between those students who are entering with 31 or fewer credits and those with 32 or more credits. Those with 31 or fewer credits in the fall are assigned to a Peer Mentor group along with first-year students. Those entering with 32 or more credits in the fall are placed together in a Peer Mentor group comprised exclusively of transfers. The group comprised of transfers with 32 credits or more will participate in a specially-designed orientation that blends sessions specific to the needs of transfer students as well as opportunities to meet the first-year students. Either way, your Peer Mentor will contact you prior to your arrival so that they can assist you with any questions you have and help prepare you for the transition to Washington College.
Even if you attended an orientation at your previous institution, you are expected to attend Washington College orientation. All events are designed to familiarize new students with both Washington College and the surrounding Chestertown community. In the past, transfer students who participated fully in orientation routinely tell us that they were glad they did because they not only met new students but met many upperclassmen, faculty, and staff members who were critical to their successful transition.
If you want to discuss your specific situation and any questions that you have about orientation, please contact Associate Vice President Sarah Feyerherm in the Student Affairs Office at sfeyerherm2@washcoll.edu or call 410-778-7752.
What if I transfer in January?
All students who transfer to Washington College in January, regardless of the number of credits they bring to Washington College, participate in the same orientation. A small group of Peer Mentors are assigned to work with this group and the orientation for students transferring in January of 2012 will start on Thursday, January 19th.
Life on Campus
Is it hard to get involved in campus life as a transfer student?
No, it is not difficult to get involved! There are more than 60 different clubs and organizations in which students can participate during their time at WC. These clubs welcome new members at any point in the academic year, whether they are first-year students, transfers, or upperclassmen. Additionally, at the beginning of the fall semester, a club fair is held to inform new students about various opportunities to get involved in campus life. This year, the club fair is being held on September 10th from 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Martha Washington Square. If you would like more information about getting involved in clubs and organizations, you can contact the Office of Student Activities by calling 410-778-7146.
Am I required to take AlcoholEdu?
All new students who are entering with 31 credits or less are required to take AlcoholEdu, an online alcohol education course, before classes begin. If you took the online class at your previous institution, you will not have to re-take the course. However, you will need to provide documentation that you completed the course at your previous institution. If you have any questions about AlcoholEdu or want to speak to someone about the requirement, please contact Beth Anne Langrell (blangrell2@washcoll.edu) or call 410-778-7752.
Do I need to a get a new physical if I already had one at my last institution?
Washington College Health Services will only accept documentation of a physical that has occurred within six months of the due date of completed forms. All new students must complete the required Washington College Health Form by July 15th for students entering in the fall and January 15th for students entering in the spring.
Advice from a Transfer
I am Ann Eickelberg – I am entering my senior year at Washington College and an active member of Women's Lacrosse, Peer Mentoring, OSA-Student Center Intern, Best Buddies program, Phi Lambda Theta Honor Society and Leadership Committee. I also take part in intramural sports including soccer and flag football at WAC. I transferred to Washington College following the fall semester at the University of Tampa. Prior to college, I was very unsure about the entire college search process. I decided at the last minute to choose the University of Tampa - mainly because of the warm weather and the fact that my best friend was going there. After a couple of weeks I knew that the University of Tampa was not the best fit for me. There I found it difficult to get involved in activities, (which had always been important to me in high school and even grammar school), and Tampa was a little too large to see familiar faces every day. This experience gave me the opportunity to seek a more suitable college for my needs. I missed playing a sport, being a part of a team, and getting involved in the school so I figured that a that small school with a Division III athletic program could allow me to achieve this feeling of community and involvement. I made the decision to transfer to Washington College after staying overnight with the Women's Lacrosse team. In that one visit I was able to meet many different students from all "walks of life" on campus – the diversity of students with a variety of interests and perspectives proved to me that this was a place where I could have countless friends and unique experiences.
I think the most challenging thing about transferring to a new school is that you feel as if everyone else already has his/her group of friends and you do not want to intrude. However at WAC everyone I met was so welcoming, whether it was my dorm hall or my team and I felt comfortable at once. I believe that I was able to overcome this challenge mainly by getting involved on campus right off the bat. I joined the women's lacrosse team and met a group of women who welcomed me into their lives and who introduced me to their friends. These new friendships allowed me to branch off into different groups because of the variety of personalities on my team. I started to find my own way in the school and began applying for several positions, such as a Peer Mentor, Leadership Nomination Organizer, and Student Center Intern. All of these jobs have opened my eyes to new friends, opportunities, and issues that make me who I am today. I am very involved in the school community now, and I think that is a large reason of why I enjoy WAC so much.
My advice to transfer students is to be open to meeting new friends and joining a variety of different activities. Washington College offers more opportunities for personal growth than any other institution I have seen. I believe that being involved and being social are the two key elements in enjoying each and every day at Washington College.