Division of Student Affairs > Student Life > For New Students > Transfer Success Network

Transfer Success Network

Program Expectations Mentee Tips Frequently Asked Questions Events Drop-In Appointments 

The Transfer Success Network is a FREE program that connects you with an experienced DePaul Peer Support Coach to help you navigate your first year at DePaul. Our peer coaches understand the ups and downs of being a transfer student and are ready to help you make the most of your time as a Blue Demon! Students who are part of the Transfer Success Network will also have access to specialized resources and programs geared towards transfer student specific concerns.

Your Peer Support Coach can help with: 

  • Advice and guidance on navigating DePaul's campus and resources.
  • Opportunities to connect with other transfer students and the wider DePaul community.
  • Learn about joining student clubs and organizations.
  • Resources and support to help you meet your specific goals.
  • Tips on how to survive and thrive in the quarter system.
  • Any other questions you might have or things you’ve been wondering about!

What you can expect:

  • A welcome phone call from your peer coach within the first week of being matched.
  • Frequent communications from your peer coach about important dates, resources, and student events and activities.
  • Meetings with your peer coach: this is a good opportunity to talk about how things are going, ask questions, or get advice.
  • Transfer Student Socials and networking events.
  • Access to success coaching for transfer students.
  • Your peer coach will be matched with you for the whole academic year.

Tips for meeting with your Peer Support Coach: 

  • Set up a time to meet with them. We recommend meeting at least twice a quarter with your peer coach, but you can meet more often as needed. Peer coaches can meet with you at either campus, over the phone, or on Zoom.
  • Don't be afraid to ask questions. Your peer coach understands the transfer experience, and they know what it is like to be new to DePaul (many are transfer students themselves). They can answer most questions that you might have and even if they don't know the answer, they can help you find it. No question is too small or too silly.
  • You do not have to have questions when you meet with your Peer Support Coach. If you don't have any specific questions for your peer coach, no worries! They are still a great person to get to know and love to hear just about how the quarter is going for you—the ups and the downs. 
  • Network! The peer coaches are well connected in the DePaul community and can help you navigate resources, student groups, and things to do in Chicago. They can connect you with career resources if you’re already thinking about that post-graduate job search.

Frequently Asked Questions

New transfer students who are enrolled in classes will receive an email invitation via their DePaul email a few weeks before the quarter starts. The email invitation will include a link to an intake form which will help us match you with a peer coach. You’ll get to review the peer coach profiles and choose a few preferences for who you’d like to connect with. Once the intake form has been completed, matching typically takes place within one to two weeks. Your peer coach will let you know about specific resources and transfer student events throughout the year. If you did not receive an email with an invitation to join the program, email us at transfer@depaul.edu to inquire.

Peer coaches can help you delve deeper into an academic interest, career field, or activity that you already excel at, whether it's finding an internship, succeeding in classes, or being elected to a leadership role. Having a peer coach also increases your networking opportunities and opens you up to a new group of people you might not have met on your own. 

  • Take advantage of the resources and events! 
  • Think about what goals you have for your time at DePaul and communicate those clearly to your peer coach. They can help you develop action steps and stay on track. 
  • Learn about your peer coach’s background and ask about the connections and experiences that are most interesting to you. 
  • Think about what your interests are and how you’d like to be involved on campus—your peer coach can help you get connected with student groups, clubs, and events. 
  • Need help making a plan to get through the quarter? Ask your peer coach for help—they can offer tips for navigating the quarter system, staying organized, academic strategies, and what the best resources are. 
  • Your peer coach is not an academic advisor or a mental health counselor. If your questions need to be answered by a professional staff person, your peer coach can help you get connected to those resources. 

Peer coaches can meet with you in-person at both campuses, over the phone, or on Zoom. 

This happens sometimes. We do our best to match you with a peer coach that we think will be a good fit for you and based on your preferences that you shared in the intake form, but sometimes it just doesn't quite click. Feel free to reach out to transfer@depaul.edu and let us know that you'd like to be matched with a different peer coach. 

If you have been at DePaul for at least 2 quarters, keep an eye on the Campus Job Board for postings. We typically hire Peer Support Coaches at the start of Spring Quarter to be part of the team for the following academic year. If you have more questions about the requirements or timeline, please contact transfer@depaul.edu.

Events

The Transfer Success Network offers events from time to time just for transfer students like you! Our DeHUB page has information about upcoming events and activities. Some event highlights include: 

  • Transfer Student Socials: These are themed events with a chance to connect with other transfer students and peer coaches.
  • Special celebrations during National Transfer Student Week in October. 
  • Access to ACE group success coaching events.

Drop-In Coaching is available! 

Feel free to stop by anytime between 12 p.m. - 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and talk with one of our Peer Support Coaches. 

  • Loop location: Academic Continuity & Engagement 
    • DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Boulevard, Suite 9700
  • Lincoln location: Office of Multicultural Student Success
    • Student Center, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue, Suite 105

Additional assistance

If you are a transfer student matched with a peer coach, start by asking them any questions you have. If you need additional assistance or don’t have a peer coach, email us at transfer@depaul.edu.

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