Jessica Hayek | Contributing Writer
The Transfer Meet & Greet held on Wednesday, October 22nd, gave a space for transfer students to learn more about what FIU can offer and created a casual atmosphere to find students who likewise, are adjusting to life here on campus.
Held at Graham Center, the meeting held in room 243 was filled with free pizza, snacks, and sodas while students mingled and discussed their majors and interests. Some played the games offered at the tables to break the ice.
Director of transfer and transitions services, Jennifer Bravo, spoke with us about why these bi-annual events held in our Fall and Spring semesters are important for transfer students to attend. Bravo said, “We have ‘international’ in our name.” She continues, “We had close to 4,000 new transfers that came in this Fall, 2025. So it’s really important for the transfer community to find a place where they have a relaxed environment for three hours in the middle of their day to come in, have lunch, play games, facilitate ice breakers, and make new friends.”
We spoke with Sheryl-Ann Mullings about a program created for transfer students, the mentor collective program. Mullings said, “Since the focus can tend to be dedicated more towards freshmen, sometimes transfer students can feel a bit left out. So we wanted to share an extension of the PanthertoPanther mentor collective. So last year, we created a TransfertoTransfer collective.”
The platform houses all of our student information and can match mentors and mentees within the same major, from quick questions to providing support to adult learners. It is an opportunity to pay it forward for mentors who may have struggled in their transition to our university. More information about the TransfertoTransfer program can be found at FIU Transfer & Transition Services under transition resources.
Meet and Greet with people sitting at a round table discussing interests | Jessica Hayek, PantherNOW
With hope, Bravo mentions, “students feel that they are welcome at FIU, we are number two in the nation for transfer students and that the environment is conducive to succeed and belong. To feel as though they made the right choice when choosing FIU.”
Transfer students we spoke with told us about why they chose FIU to continue their college careers.
Nile Celaya Urrutia, who double majored in Finance and International Business, excitedly claimed, “I love the beach and surfing, so I looked for universities on the coast after finishing my associate’s degree at Ellsworth Community College back in Iowa. I saw FIU and thought the campus was beautiful, near the beach and had a great business program.”
We also spoke to Sydnie Jenkins, who transferred from Santa Fe College in Gainesville. She noted, “ I wanted to first get my degree in communications, but I was also interested in learning Korean and I saw that we had a Korean program! So now I’m getting my Korean certification.”
The event held an introduction to some of the opportunities and resources offered at FIU, departments like the study abroad program, the national student exchange, the career development program, the Center of Academic Success, Tau Sigma honor society and even the FIU library had representatives and advisors who spoke with the students and gave out some goodies.
Overall, the Transfer Meet & Greet served as more than just a social event; it was a reminder that FIU continues to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. Events like these allow transfers to build connections, explore new opportunities, and truly feel at home within the Panther community. As the semester continues, it’s clear that FIU’s commitment to supporting transfer students goes beyond academics; it’s about belonging, growth, and shared experiences.
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