National Transfer Week At Dakota State University

Dakota State University recently celebrated National Transfer Week with various engaging activities to welcome transfer students and gather their perspectives on transitioning to DSU. This special week was packed with events designed to make transfer students feel at home, share their experiences, and explore the path forward as members of the DSU community.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Audrey Pirtle, DSU’s Transfer Admissions Counselor, at 8th Street to discuss her thoughts on the influx of transfer students. “DSU has seen a steady increase in the number of transfer students over the past few years,” she shared. “This growth is largely due to the university’s competitive and advancing cyber technology programs,” Audrey noted that students transfer for various reasons—some seek a change in environment, others are drawn to specific majors offered at DSU, and many are attracted by the unique sense of community here.

DSU organized several events to celebrate Transfer Week, including coffee chats with transfer students to learn about their journeys, and Transfer Trivia, where participants could win exciting prizes. These activities aimed to foster connections and offer insights into the transfer experience.

I also spoke with Deseree Oganah, a recent transfer student, to learn about her experiences so far. When asked, “Why Dakota State?” she responded, “Besides affordability, I was looking for a smaller school where I wouldn’t feel like just another face in a crowd. I wanted a sense of community, and DSU has truly delivered that.” Deseree expressed her joy in making new friends and praised the campus for exceeding her expectations, especially in terms of technology resources. Reflecting on Transfer Week, she appreciated the free Starbucks and the opportunity to learn more about both DSU and the Madison community.

However, she hopes to see improvements in the social scene outside of classes. Her advice for prospective transfer students? “Just send in your application. Don’t be bothered about coming to a small town – you will meet people and have experiences that surpass what you could’ve ever imagined.”

National Transfer Week at DSU was a success, celebrating the stories of transfer students, fostering a sense of belonging, and showcasing what makes Dakota State University a unique destination for those seeking a new academic home