Frequently Asked Questions for Transfer Students
Who is my transfer advisor?
As a transfer student, you’ll be assigned a transfer advisor once you’re admitted to the college and have paid your deposit. You’ll meet regularly with your advisor to build a relationship and get support with important steps like pre-registration, as well as access to helpful resources along the way. As you go through the major declaration process, you’ll also be assigned a faculty advisor in your chosen major. Your transfer advisor will continue to serve as a secondary advisor during your first academic year to make sure you always have support as you transition to Roanoke College.
How often will I meet with my transfer advisor?
You’ll be introduced to your transfer advisor after you’re admitted to the college and have paid your deposit. Your advisor will typically wait until your official transcript is received before reaching out, but they may contact you earlier to introduce themselves and ask a few initial advising questions.
Throughout your first year, you’ll meet with your transfer advisor regularly through structured check-ins. These meetings are designed to help you stay on track, ask questions, and make adjustments as needed.
What can my transfer advisor help me with?
Your transfer advisor can help you:
- Understand how your previous institution’s credits apply toward Roanoke College requirements
- Adjust to life at Roanoke College
- Build a class schedule that fits your goals and needs as a transfer student
- Understand Roanoke’s Intellectual Inquiry (INQ) curriculum and substitution guidelines
- Explore majors, career interests, and graduate or professional opportunities
- Work through academic challenges common to transfer students
- Connect with campus resources
Do I have to know my major right away?
No. Many transfer students come to Roanoke ready to explore different interests. Your transfer advisor, professors, Career Services, and experiential learning opportunities will support you as you explore options and make informed decisions about your path.
What do I do if I know what I’d like to major in upon my arrival at Roanoke?
If you already know or have a strong idea of what you’d like to major in or pursue as a career, be sure to let your advisor know. Your transfer advisor will guide you through Roanoke’s major declaration process, providing clear, step-by-step instructions and outlining your next steps. They will also continue to be a helpful resource throughout your first academic year at Roanoke College.
What is a “unit” and how many credits is it?
At Roanoke College, courses are not measured in traditional credit hours. Instead, we use a unit system. The most important thing to know is that units carry the same weight as traditional credit hours, but:
- 1 unit = 4 credits
- Units transfer to other institutions as standard college credits
Full-time students take anywhere from 4-5 units per semester (16-20 credits). Course overload fees begin at 6 units (24 credits).
How many units do I need to graduate and stay on track?
All students must complete 33.5 units to graduate from Roanoke College. Student-athletes are required to complete 33.25 units, as a full academic year of varsity sport participation counts as an activity course.
Transfer students often bring a wide variety of credits from previous institutions, so each student’s path may look a little different. As a transfer student, you must complete a minimum of 17.5 units at Roanoke and at least half of your major/minor requirements here.
Most Intellectual Inquiry (INQ) curriculum requirements can be fulfilled with transfer credit; however, the INQ-300 capstone must be completed at Roanoke College.
How many units can I take each semester?
All students may take up to 5 units in a semester without additional tuition charges.
To take more than 5 units, you must:
- Receive permission from the appropriate academic office
- Pay additional fees for each extra course.
- For questions regarding course overload fees, contact the Business Office by calling (540) 375-2255.
What is required to be a full-time student and to play sports?
To be considered full-time at Roanoke College, you must be enrolled in at least 3 units (12 credits).
As a student-athlete, you must remain enrolled in at least 3 units to maintain eligibility to participate in athletics. Dropping below this threshold may impact your ability to compete.
How do transfer credits work?
Roanoke College accepts a wide range of transfer credit, including:
- Coursework from other colleges and universities
- AP (Advanced Placement) credits
- Dual enrollment credits
However, once you have begun classes at Roanoke:
- You cannot transfer in credit towards Intellectual Inquiry INQ curriculum
- You may only transfer in up to 3 units of elective credit with permission
- You may only transfer in up to 3 units toward your major with permission from the Dean of your school
It’s important to talk with your transfer advisor before taking courses elsewhere to ensure they will count toward your degree.
How do I register for classes?
As a new transfer student, you will not initially have permission to register yourself for classes in Self-Service. After you’re admitted, your transfer advisor will reach out to schedule a time to meet, via Teams, phone, or in person, to register you for your first semester.
For future semesters, you’ll meet with your transfer advisor or your major advisor (if you’ve declared a major) to review recommended and required courses. You’ll then register yourself during your assigned advising period each semester.
What should I do if I’m struggling academically?
Reach out early. You can talk to your advisor and professors, visit the Student Success Center, and access free tutoring or academic life coaching. Asking for help is an important part of being a successful student. Your advisor will also check in with you regularly to provide support as needed.
What is the Student Success Center (SSC)?
The Student Success Center (SSC) is your hub for academic support, advising, and personal growth. It offers free tutoring, academic life coaching, and many other resources to help you succeed both in and out of the classroom.
What should I bring to my advising meetings?
Come prepared with:
- A laptop, tablet, or other electronic device that allows you to easily access Self-Service
- Any questions or concerns you may have
- Ideas about courses, majors, academic interests, or career interests
- Notes about your academic progress
- An openness to brainstorming, feedback, and planning
Where can I get help outside of advising meetings?
You can access help through:
- The Student Success Center
- Faculty office hours
- Free tutoring and writing support services through the Tutoring Center
- Free academic life coaching
- Free career services support through PLACE
- Other campus support services