University welcomes transfer students

Many USD students were thrust into the flurry of Torero Days at the start of freshman year, but others were brought to the university as transfer students. Held during the last few days of winter break beginning Jan. 21, new students were welcomed to their own version of new student orientation.
“In my opinion, students that transfer in at the spring semester are in a much more vulnerable place than those who transfer in the fall,” said former transfer student and Spring Orientation Chair Kelsey Johnson. “I think the spring transition is more difficult because of [the transfer], and so the orientation program is really crucial.”
In an effort to acclimate new students through friendly and informative events, the Spring Orientation Board worked hard to include them in the USD community.
While the events usually contain less member involvement and are shorter than the Torero Days held prior to the fall semester, it is emphasized that they still have the same core events: panel discussions, socials, a resource fair and various informational gatherings.
One prominent event, for example, was the Getting Involved & Resource Fair, which provided new students access to over 15 various departments and organizations, allowing these individuals to see what organizations and clubs can be found throughout the campus.
While these programs are aimed at students arriving in the middle of the year, it was the Spring Orientation Board’s goal to provide the same feeling of comfort and amusement that those arriving in the fall receive.
“It has not been hard to get used to the move,” freshman Caroline Harris said. “The students and teachers at this school are extremely helpful and welcoming.”
These events have grown in the past few years and according to the board it is hopeful that they will continue to expand.
“These students are just as in need of a full orientation program as the fall students, and in order for all students coming into USD to be successful, they need the same treatment as students who enter in the fall semester,” Johnson said.