Cal Poly Pomona will celebrate its transfer student community Oct. 21-25 during National Transfer Student Week.

This year, Associated Students, Inc. and the PolyTransfer program are partnering on the third annual celebration at CPP. The slate of events promotes transfer student engagement and honors their educational journeys. The transfer student population at CPP has grown steadily over the last several years: in fall 2019, about half of the 7,500 newly enrolled students transferred from a community college or other institution.

Cristal Landa, a third-year biology transfer student and the inaugural ASI officer of transfer engagement, is leading the planning for this year's event. She believes that celebrating transfers on campus makes a difference and helps build a transfer-receptive culture.

"National Transfer Student Week means so much to me because it's important to create awareness about transfer students," Landa said. "NTSW is a perfect opportunity for transfer students to openly embrace their academic journeys. Transfer students should be proud to have come this far, and my goal is to help others understand our struggles and triumphs."

PolyTransfer Coordinator Lorena Marquez says that the event has been openly embraced by ASI's student leaders. PolyTransfer hosted the first two celebrations, with support from campus partners.

"Having ASI's support helps transfer students feel like they have representation and creates visibility," Marquez said. "They've invested their time, resources and love for transfer students at CPP."

All faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend the following events:

October 21: Coffee Chat
9 to 11 a.m. in University Park

All transfer students, as well as college representatives, faculty members, advisors and peer mentors, are invited to enjoy free coffee, tea and donuts.

October 22: Transfer Town Hall
Noon to 1 p.m. in University Park

Engage and connect with ASI student leaders and current transfer students - wear your previous college or institution's swag to represent.

October 23: Celebrate Your Transfer Story
Noon to 1 p.m. in University Park

Students can share their transfer story in an interactive installation.

October 24: The Transfer Experience: Then & Now
Noon to 1 p.m. in the Bronco Student Center, Orion Suite

Meet CPP faculty and staff who were transfer students and hear about their experience in a panel discussion. Free snacks will be provided.

October 25: Transfer Student Swim Social
5 to 7:30 p.m. at the BRIC Pool

Cool down and connect with current and new transfer students all while enjoying free food, music and karaoke.