Overview of Advisor Contacts - Transfer Students

Purpose

Transfer students should be registered prior to their assigned orientation. This following is an overview of the procedures advisors should follow when contacting students. When speaking with an incoming new student, it is important for advisors to remember that this is probably both an exciting and stressful time for the student, and patience is necessary. This phone call may be the student's first direct contact with an individual at UB, and it is our responsibility to make the student feel good about selecting our university!

Preparation

When advisors contact a student, they should have a copy of the student's Transfer Data Form, DARS, and copies of transcripts for work in progress (if provided by student). It will also be helpful if advisors have already listed out recommended courses for the student. At this time, advisors should verify:

• Intended Major
• AP/CLEP/IB Credit
• Courses in progress
• College Credit
• Special Time Requirements (Work Schedule, Commuter)

Please note that the Transfer Data Form asks for all of this information except for the Special Time Requirements, so it may not be necessary to re-write the information if it is already listed correctly.
Note: If a transfer student has AP credit, please inform them that they must have the official transcript sent to UB from the Testing service. We will not accept AP credit from another college transcript.

Advanced Registration

IMPORTANT: You are to advise your assigned students on ALL course selection including major courses AND General Education. Once advisors have discussed the student's interest and background, it is time to discuss registration. Advisors tell students which courses are being recommended (with a brief explanation of the reason, some background information on the courses, and the credit hours for each course). Transfer students will have already received a copy of their DARS and information about the electronic class schedule, but using CICS to help them pick sections will be more accurate. Please also refer students to the Undergraduate Advising site for the Web Registration Tutorial and to information on the B.I.R.D. registration system. NOTE: NSP will give U-checkstop overrides to all new students who submit a completed Transfer Data Form on Wednesday, November 18th and on a rolling basis after this date as data forms are received.

Wrap-Up

Advisors should encourage students to contact them (via phone or email), if they have any further questions.