Communications

College Readiness and Transfer Success Expands Support for Transfer Students at USF St. Petersburg

The Office of Undergraduate Studies at the University of South Florida (USF) is expanding support for transfer students through the growth of the College Readiness and Transfer Success office at the St. Petersburg campus. The expansion brings transfer-focused services together into one centralized unit and space, creating a more connected and supportive experience for students transitioning to USF.

The office combines transfer student services with the existing Pinellas Access to Higher Education (PATHe) program, a pathway initiative that helps students begin at St. Petersburg College before transferring to USF to complete their bachelor’s degree. Along with supporting transfer pathways, PATHe also works closely with Pinellas County Schools to provide college readiness programming for local students.

Through partnerships with the school district, staff members host programs for middle school students, rising high school juniors and seniors, and participants in an annual leadership summit for high school students. These initiatives focus on career exploration, preparing for college, understanding higher education opportunities, and helping students envision their future academic paths early on.

While college readiness remains an important component of the office, the expanded focus is centered on transfer student success. Transfer students often have different needs than traditional first-time-in-college students. Many are balancing jobs, families, and commuting while adapting to a new university environment. The office was designed to provide support tailored specifically to those experiences.

“Transfer students need a different kind of transition support,” said Director Tia Gomez Zeller. “We want students to feel connected and know they have a team ready to help them navigate every step of the process.”

The office assists students with specialized advising, navigating admissions requirements, understanding transfer credits, connecting with campus resources, and preparing for academic success after arriving at USF. Staff members take a hands-on approach, helping students identify the right resources and ensuring they understand the next steps in their academic journey.

The team is also expanding transfer-focused programming, including events, mentorship opportunities, and engagement through organizations such as Tau Sigma, the national honor society for transfer students. These initiatives are designed to help transfer students build community and feel more connected to campus life.

A key feature of the office is the PATHE and Transfer Lounge, a dedicated commuter-friendly space where students can study, eat lunch, meet with peers, and access transfer support services. Because many transfer students at the St. Petersburg campus commute, the lounge provides a central place for connection and support between classes.

To support the office’s growth, staffing has expanded to five team members dedicated to transfer success and college readiness initiatives.