By Ari’ Browley
On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Grand Rapids Community College’s Academic Advising and Transfer Center will host a Transfer Fair at the Applied Technology Center from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The fair will give students the opportunity to explore their future college options, speak with university representatives, and receive help with beginning their transfer process.
“It gives students direct, one-stop access to admissions representatives from numerous four-year colleges and universities,” said Sulari White, an academic advisor and assistant professor at GRCC. “This allows students to compare programs, learn about admission requirements and financial aid, and evaluate credit transferability without needing to travel to individual campuses.”
Students can attend the event without future transfer plans in mind.
“…Students do not need a transfer plan prior to attending,” White said. “A main goal of the fair is to let students “shop around” and discover potential four-year options. Once a student identifies an institution they like, they can then meet with a GRCC academic advisor to map out a formal transfer plan.”
White further explained that the event aims to “… proactively connect students with transfer partners early in their academic journey, demystify the transition process, and support smooth degree progression.”
The fair allows students to consider starting their transfer process early, saving time from unnecessary courses and expenses.
“Developing a plan early ensures that every GRCC course taken aligns directly with the target university’s degree requirements,” White said. “This prevents taking unnecessary classes, saves time and tuition money, and ensures admission and credit transfer deadlines are met.”
Although the transfer fair offers direct access to university representatives, it is not the only chance students have to explore transfer options. GRCC advisors are available on campus and virtually to guide students through the process.
“GRCC advisors provide essential guidance on course sequencing, general transfer pathways, and official articulation agreements. However, the fair provides direct interaction with university-specific representatives who offer details about campus culture, specific major entry requirements, departmental updates, and institution-specific scholarships,” White said. “The fair works best as a supplement to ongoing advising.”
To save time, students can register for the Transfer Fair through Raider Connect or this registration link.
