On Thursday, October 23, Kean University’s Center for Advising, Persistence, and Success (CAPS) partnered with Tau Sigma, the National Honor Society for Transfer Students, to host a Transfer Luncheon as a way to connect with the community.
Deep within the Miron Student Center at Kean’s Union campus, the scent of catered food mingled with laughter and introductions. It was a moment of recognition, connection, and community for a student population that makes up nearly 45% of Kean’s campus.
Held during National Transfer Week, the luncheon aimed to celebrate transfer students and introduce them to Tau Sigma, a society that honors academic achievement and fosters mentorship among those who’ve journeyed from other institutions.
Simone Mack-Bright, Assistant Director for CAPs, shared a little on the purpose and goal of the occasion.
“This event is to introduce students to Tau Sigma so they can get information about the honor society and what the requirements are to join,” said Mack-Bright, “Also to meet other transfer students and make connections so they can feel more comfortable on campus.”
For many transfer students, arriving at a new university can feel isolating, especially when navigating unfamiliar policies, resources, and social dynamics. CAPS and Tau Sigma work to bridge that gap, offering events, advising, and peer support tailored to the unique needs of transfer.
Yessenia Montgomery, a Finance major from Hillside, New Jersey and Treasurer for Tau Sigma, emphasized the importance of visibility.
“Although we are a big community, we’re also often an unseen community,” she explained. “We wanted to make sure that [transfer students] have more resources here.”
The mission of the honor society extends beyond the luncheon: Tau Sigma is also collaborating with faculty on service projects like a Halloween costume drive and planning a Friendsgiving event to deepen connections among members.
The luncheon also spotlighted the diversity of transfer experiences. Justin Bigata, a sophomore from Sayreville majoring in Exercise Science, shared how being a veteran shaped his transition.
“Being in the VA group with a couple of my friends that are also in the military gave me a sense of community and comfort,” he said. “It was kind of hard to make friends at first, but being part of FUNK and the VA really helped.”
Cole Hamilton, a sophomore Accounting major from Mount Laurel, reflected on his own growth. “I used to not really engage with a lot of people,” he remembered. “But now, being here, around the whole student body, has definitely forced me to be more extroverted and a lot more outgoing.”
For Mack-Bright, the goal is clear: “We know that [transfer students] may or may not feel comfortable when they come to Kean. That’s why we have different events during National Transfer Week—to introduce them to other transfer students, resources, and ways to feel more connected.”
As Kean continues to welcome transfer students from across New Jersey and beyond, events like the Transfer Luncheon serve as a reminder of how we can build belonging in our campus community.
