Transfer students who choose St. Joseph’s College, whether they’re studying on Long Island or in Brooklyn, say they were immediately drawn to the small size of the school.
Matt Kubacki, Ed. D., associate dean for student success at SJC Brooklyn, said his students often note how the faculty and staff really care about the students and that they work to get to know them on a personal level.
“One of the things I am proud of here at St. Joseph’s is the Transfer Seminar course we provide for transfers in their first semester,” said Kubacki, who oversees the SJC 200 Transfer Seminar. “The course focuses on learning and research skills, opportunities for campus and community involvement, and the nature of the liberal arts as envisioned by SJC.”
Transfer students at St. Joseph’s also give a nod to the ease of transferring credits to the College.
St. Joseph’s accepts up to 64 credits from regionally accredited two-year schools, and up to 90 credits from regionally accredited four-year schools. To fulfill the College’s residency requirement, students must complete a minimum of 30 to 32 credits, depending on your major, at St. Joseph’s College.
In honor of National Transfer Student Week — sponsored by the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS), the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association (NYSTAA) and the New England Transfer Association (NETA) — OnCampus talked to some St. Joseph’s students about why they transferred.
Here’s what they said:
Alia Hewson ‘17
Alia Hewson
Degree: Business administration
When she transferred: Fall 2015, after receiving an associates degree in business administration from LaGuardia Community College
Why she picked SJC Brooklyn: “I knew I wanted to continue my education in the same field, but I didn’t know exactly where. I ended up having to take a semester off to help me figure everything out. After doing some research, I found SJC, and set up a meeting with Matt Kubacki to go over academic planning. My decision was made once we met. The atmosphere of the campus and the welcoming of the faculty/staff were the greatest factors towards my decision.”
Myroslava Milkhiker ‘18
Myroslava Milkhiker
Degree: English
When she transferred: Fall 2015
Why she picked SJC Brooklyn: “I transferred to St. Joe’s because I felt like it would be a good fit for me and also because of the positive environment and attitude I got from students and staff. The transfer process was not hard. They were able to transfer the maximum amount of credits from my previous university in Ukraine, so the majority of the classes I had to take at St. Joe’s went toward my major. From the day I met with John Fitzgerald at the admissions office to the day I walked down the podium to pick up my diploma from President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., I had not even one bad experience that would make me regret the decision of choosing St. Joseph’s College and becoming a part of its community.”
Brianna Harmon ‘20
Brianna Harmon
Degree: Political Science
When she transferred: Fall 2017
Why she picked SJC Long Island: “I chose St. Joe’s because the teacher to student ratio is great for my major, which gives me the opportunity to engage with my peers and professors on a more consistent basis. I strongly believe that not only is educating society in academics important, but making sure value-oriented education is projected as well; St. Joe’s is a firm believer of this. By giving students classes in human expression, quest for meaning, self and society, and diversity, you are not only helping them grow as a student but as a person who can contribute healthy and positive behaviors to society.”
