October 20, 2025

UW opens the Transfer Center

Transferring to the University of Washington is a major milestone for thousands of Huskies who start at Washington’s community and technical colleges. ​​This fall, the UW is opening the Transfer Center in Mary Gates Hall, uniting programs and partnerships under Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising and providing transfer students with a centralized, welcoming home for advising, peer mentorship and campus connections. As a central space for connection, collaboration and celebration, the Center builds transfer community year-round.

 

“Establishing a Transfer Center is the critical next step,” said Joslin Boroughs, director of advising initiatives and partnerships for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising. “Centralizing brings visibility to the transfer student experience and improves coordination so we can support student success. Think of the Transfer Center as your campus partner. It’s a single front door for referrals and a resource hub for best practices.” A central point of contact, transfer guides and departmental connections streamline referrals for prospective and current students, as well as faculty and staff.

The Transfer Center unites long-standing partnerships between UW advisers and Washington’s community and technical colleges to remove barriers to timely transfer. It also connects existing initiatives such as Path to UW, which gives prospective students early access to UW resources. The Center’s space is reservable for partner-hosted, transfer-supportive events.

“The Path to UW partnership with Seattle Colleges is re-writing the story of transfer to a flagship university,” said Melody McMillan, senior executive director of Seattle Promise at Seattle Colleges. “Built with student access and success at the center, Path to UW was shaped by student and faculty feedback — and acting on that feedback works.”

“Coordinated advising through the Path to UW program meets students earlier and more consistently — expanding access to a world-class public research university,” said Michaelann Jundt, senior associate dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs.

Students will also meet Transfer Ambassadors, a peer leadership team developed with First Year Programs — who host welcome events, offer one-on-one support and help students navigate their first year on campus.

“Adjusting to new teaching styles and the course load can be overwhelming,” said Transfer Ambassador and psychology major, Iqra Mohamed, ‘26. “What helped me was introducing myself to people near me on day one and joining study groups. It can feel intimidating, but it sets you up for success and builds self-advocacy.”

“With a dedicated space, there’s a go-to for questions and drop-in support,” Mohamed added. “It shows a place designed for transfer students, which can strengthen belonging. Transfer can feel like a short stop, but the Center will help students feel more connected and find accessible opportunities to create a memorable UW experience.” Kitchen access, study spaces and lockers remain available in the Commuter and Transfer Commons.

Ambassadors continue outreach at partner colleges, closing the loop from exploration to enrollment. “Seattle’s students are brilliant and driven,” added McMillan. “When institutions align around them, applications turn into admissions, admissions into enrollment, and enrollment into graduation and career.”

“One year in, we expect growth in ambassador engagement, referrals and event participation — clear signals that students are reaching support sooner,” said Boroughs.

“Over the past decade, the University of Washington has become more vocal and intentional about transfer student success,” said Jundt.

“The Transfer Center is that commitment made visible — a place where students can find their path, and their people, from day one.”

About Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising

Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising supports undergraduates across all majors with academic planning, exploration and success — connecting students with advising, resources and opportunities that help them graduate on time and thrive at the UW.