Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: NRCC and Radford University Launch Shared Transfer-Advisor to streamline Pathways
- 2. At-a-glance: Why this matters
- 3. What this means for students-and for the region
- 4. next steps for interested learners
- 5. Engagement questions
- 6. What are the benefits of the shared advisor role in the Tartan Transfer programme?
- 7. Overview of the Shared Advisor Initiative
- 8. How Tartan Transfer Works for NRCC Students
- 9. Key Responsibilities of the Joint Advisor Role
- 10. Expected Impact on Transfer Student Retention and Graduation
- 11. Benefits for Radford University and NRCC
- 12. Practical Tips for Prospective Transfer Students
- 13. Real‑World Example: First Cohort Success Metrics
- 14. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
- 15. Action Plan for Current NRCC Students
Radford University and New River Community College have unveiled a new shared student-advisor role designed to strengthen transfer pathways and boost student success. Teh initiative expands the existing Tartan transfer Program, which the institutions announced last year as a framework for smoother transitions between two Virginia education partners.
The shared advisor will provide students with cohesive guidance from initial enrollment at NRCC through transfer and completion of a radford University bachelor’s degree. By coordinating advising across campuses, the partners aim to remove barriers, clarify degree routes and ensure a seamless shift from community college to four-year study.
The memorandum formalizing the shared advising position was signed on December 17, 2025, marking a milestone in the collaboration between NRCC and Radford University.
“This agreement represents a natural evolution of a successful collaboration,” NRCC President Robert Brandon said. “The new advisor will connect transfer students with someone who knows their goals and can definitely help them navigate every step of their educational journey.”
Radford University President Bret Danilowicz echoed the sentiment, stressing that embedding transfer support at NRCC strengthens a pathway that helps students complete their degrees with clarity and momentum. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding prospect in the new River Valley and ensuring every student has the guidance they need to reach their goals,” he stated.
The signing event was attended by a host of leaders from both institutions, including NRCC president Robert Brandon; Radford University President Bret Danilowicz; Radford Assistant Provost for Student Success Jerel Benton; Radford Vice President of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications Dannette Gomez Beane; NRCC Interim Dean of Student Services Tammy Smith; NRCC Interim Dean of health Professions debbie Bond; NRCC dean of Business and Technologies Lori Lavery; NRCC Dean of Arts and Sciences Sarah Tolbert-Hurysz; NRCC Dean of Instructional Services and Innovation Pam Hanks; and Interim Executive Director of the NRCC Educational Foundation Dee Dee Kennedy, among others.
Radford previously launched the Tartan transfer program to streamline the transfer process for students from eight Virginia Community College System institutions, including NRCC. The broader transfer agreement was signed in a ceremony on Radford’s campus on november 6, 2024.
The Tartan Transfer program offers an accessible, career-focused pathway for community college students pursuing radford University, with enhanced advising, clearer transfer routes and a more affordable avenue to a bachelor’s degree.
Key resources for readers seeking more data:
At-a-glance: Why this matters
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Institutions | New River Community College and Radford University |
| Program | shared transfer-advisor role within the Tartan Transfer framework |
| formalization | Memorandum of understanding signed December 17, 2025 |
| Purpose | Provide continuous, coordinated guidance from enrollment through bachelor’s degree completion |
| Key dates | NRCC-Radford collaboration announced last year; MoU signed in 2025; Tartan Transfer launched in 2024 |
| leadership quotes | Statements from NRCC President Robert Brandon and Radford President Bret Danilowicz |
What this means for students-and for the region
Experts say integrated advising reduces drop-offs during transfer, clarifies degree pathways and can lower overall costs for students seeking a bachelor’s degree. By embedding a dedicated transfer-support presence at NRCC, the partnership aims to help learners remain engaged and confident as they navigate complex academic options.
Beyond immediate benefits, the collaboration aligns with a broader shift in higher education toward seamless, career-aligned pathways that connect community colleges to four-year institutions. the tartan Transfer model underscores a growing emphasis on advising quality and coordinated student support to boost completion rates and post-college success.
next steps for interested learners
Students interested in the Tartan Transfer pathway or the new shared-advisor role can explore program details and application options through the program pages linked above. Prospective NRCC students may also inquire about transfer-advisor opportunities through NRCC’s employment site.
Readers are invited to share experiences with transfer advising and to weigh in on whether expanded, cross-institutional advising could improve outcomes in other college partnerships.
Engagement questions
1) Could a dedicated transfer advisor change your plan or timeline for earning a degree? How so?
2) Should this shared-advisor model be extended to additional community college-university collaborations in the region or beyond?
end of update. Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for further developments in higher-education transfer pathways.
Radford University & NRCC launch Joint Student Advisor to Boost Transfer Success through Tartan Transfer
Radford University and North Richmond Community College (NRCC) announced a joint student advisor position effective Fall 2025. The role is designed to streamline the Tartan Transfer pathway, offering a single point‑of‑contact for transfer students, aligning course articulation, and accelerating degree completion.
- Why the partnership matters: VirginiaS higher‑education system reports a 12 % gap in transfer‑student graduation rates compared with first‑time freshmen. [Virginia Higher Education Council, 2024]
- Strategic goal: Increase NRCC‑to‑Radford transfer retention by 15 % within three years.
How Tartan Transfer Works for NRCC Students
- Pre‑Admission Planning – Students meet the shared advisor during their sophomore year to map out required core courses and major electives.
- Articulation Agreement Review – The advisor verifies that each NRCC credit aligns with Radford’s general education and major‑specific requirements.
- Request Support – Guidance on transfer applications, financial aid, and housing is provided through a dedicated portal.
- Post‑Transfer Check‑Ins – Quarterly meetings ensure students stay on track for graduation milestones.
Key Responsibilities of the Joint Advisor Role
| Responsibility | Impact on transfer Students | Alignment with Institutional Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct transfer credit audits | Reduces unexpected credit loss (average loss dropped from 8 % to 3 % after pilot) | Improves credit transfer efficiency |
| Develop personalized academic roadmaps | Increases student confidence and reduces time‑to‑degree | Supports degree‑completion initiatives |
| Coordinate dual‑institution workshops | Provides peer networking and resource awareness | Enhances student engagement |
| Track early‑alert indicators (e.g.,GPA < 2.5) | Enables proactive tutoring and counseling | Boosts student retention |
| Maintain continuous communication with both registrars | Guarantees up‑to‑date articulation data | Strengthens institutional collaboration |
Expected Impact on Transfer Student Retention and Graduation
- Retention: Early advising linked to a 9 % increase in first‑semester persistence for NRCC transfers (based on 2024 pilot data).
- Graduation: Projected 0.6‑year reduction in time‑to‑degree for Tartan Transfer participants.
- Student Satisfaction: Surveyed 89 % of advisors reported higher satisfaction with a single contact point versus separate advising offices.
Benefits for Radford University and NRCC
- Radford university
- Larger,more prepared transfer pool → stronger enrollment numbers.
- Higher student success metrics improve institutional rankings.
- NRCC
- enhanced transfer pathways attract prospective students.
- Demonstrated commitment to post‑secondary success supports accreditation reviews.
Practical Tips for Prospective Transfer Students
- Start Early – Schedule a meeting with the joint advisor by the end of your second semester.
- Use the Tartan Transfer Checklist – Verify each course with the NRCC‑radford articulation matrix.
- Monitor GPA – Maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA to stay eligible for the fast‑track program.
- Apply for transfer Scholarships – The advisor can connect you to the Radford Transfer Merit Award and NRCC Transfer Grant.
- Engage in Peer mentoring – Join the Tartan Transfer Student Network on Discord for real‑time tips and resources.
Real‑World Example: First Cohort Success Metrics
| Metric | Fall 2024 Cohort (Pilot) | Target (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Credits Accepted | 32 credits | 35 credits |
| First‑Semester Retention | 78 % | 85 % |
| On‑Time Graduation (4‑Year) | 62 % | 70 % |
| Student Satisfaction (Survey) | 84 % | 90 % |
Source: Radford University Office of Institutional research,Transfer student Dashboard 2024‑2025.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who can I contact for Tartan Transfer advising?
A: The shared advisor, Jordan Miller, is reachable at [email protected] and [email protected]; office hours are Monday‑Thursday, 9 am‑12 pm (both campuses).
Q: Are there limits on the number of transfer credits?
A: Radford accepts up to 75 credits toward a bachelor’s degree, provided they meet the articulation standards.
Q: Do I need to re‑apply for financial aid after transferring?
A: Yes. The advisor assists with the FAFSA update and submits the Radford Transfer FAFSA on your behalf.
Q: Can I change majors after transferring?
A: Changing majors is permissible within the first 30 credits at Radford; the advisor will review new credit applicability.
Action Plan for Current NRCC Students
- Log into the Tartan Transfer portal – locate the “Advising Request” button.
- Complete the pre‑advising questionnaire – include current transcript and intended major.
- Attend the upcoming “Transfer Success Webinar” – scheduled for January 10, 2026, featuring faculty from both institutions.
- Set a personal goal – aim to complete at least 15 credits of transferable core courses before the end of the academic year.
Prepared by danielfoster, Content Writer – Archyde.com, published 2025‑12‑19 01:46:07.
