Five Pace students walking through a park at night.

Transfer Student Experience

Welcome to The Office of The Transfer Student Experience (TSE) at Pace University! The Office of The Transfer Student Experience is here to assist all transfer students make a successful transition from a prior institution to Pace University. TSE implements and develops services and programs that promote the successful onboarding and engagement of all transfer students. Remember, it’s not where you start, but where you finish!

Transfer Timeline

  • Welcome to Pace! What’s Next?

    CONGRATULATIONS! This is where your journey at Pace begins. Once you have received your acceptance packet from Pace University filled with important information and key dates, you will be directed to register for a Transfer Orientation date. Our Transfer Orientation program is required for all new transfer students and will fully prepare you for the Pace experience. We understand you may have attended an Orientation at your prior institution, but it is still important to attend Transfer Orientation at Pace.

    Transfer Orientation is designed to provide you with an introduction to all aspects of the Pace University community to ensure that your transition will be easy, successful, and full of new opportunities. You will get to know our Orientation Leaders, who are upper-class students, who will guide you throughout the day.

    At Transfer Orientation, you will also meet administrators, Advisors and faculty members, as well as other incoming transfer students. In addition, you will begin to experience what the Pace community is like before the semester begins.

    Orientation will include:

    • An overview of navigating our Pace student systems
    • Getting your Pace ID card
    • Meeting your School Advisors
    • Receiving an updated Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE)
    • Learning about Pace and talking to current students
    • Finalizing your academic schedule
    • An opportunity to talk to representatives from Financial Aid, Residence Life, Learning Center, Counseling, Career Services, Admission and more!

    Further details about Transfer Orientation are available in your welcome packet and also on the Student Development and Campus Activities website. Once you are ready, please register for Transfer Orientation! We look forward to meeting you at Transfer Orientation!

  • Prepare For Your First Semester As a Transfer Student

    After your Transfer Orientation experience, keep in mind the following information before the semester begins.

    • Know where to access your schedule online
    • Finalize your Transfer Credit Evaluation (including any missing syllabus for evaluation)
    • Look into purchasing college textbooks early on
    • Connect with your roommate(s) if you are residing in our Residence Halls
    • Take care of any financial aid or tuition questions in advance
    • Request accommodations if needed through Student Accessibility Services

    First Semester Schedule

    Your schedule will be based on your major, your placement test results (if needed), and your Transfer Credit Evaluation which consists of the credits you earned and their Pace equivalencies. If there are any adjustments to your schedule needed after Transfer Orientation, please make sure to contact your school specific Academic Advisor. It is important to remember that as it becomes closer to start of the new semester, availability of courses diminishes and it becomes more challenging to make schedule changes. However, always consult with your Academic Advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

    You can access your Pace schedule through the Pace Portal with your standard Pace login and password. Once in your portal, you can click on the Student tab > Registration Grades and Tuition > Student Schedule. Sometimes, classroom assignments or Professors for courses can change or be listed as To Be Determined, so it is recommended you double check your schedule online before the beginning of the semester and confirm your classroom location.

    Transfer Credit Evaluation

    You will receive an updated copy of your Transfer Credit Evaluation at Transfer Orientation. For the most up to date copy after Transfer Orientation, contact the Office of Admission or the Registrar.

    In addition to submitting your prior college transcripts, AP scores must be sent separately (even if they were submitted and processed by your prior school). In order for Pace to process these scores and apply them as credit, you will need to send your official AP exam scores to the Admission Office through the College Board. AP Courses must be resent every time you attend a new institution and will not automatically transfer each time. AP courses are graded on a scale up to 5, and Pace will accept a grade of 4 or higher.

    Purchasing College Textbooks

    The first step to purchasing textbooks is to understand which books are required for your courses. You can do this online at Pace's Bookstore by entering the Course Registration Number (CRN) associated with your course, which can be found on your schedule.

    In the course schedule each semester, there are courses that are identified as having textbooks (or other instructional materials) that are free of cost or under $50 for the entire semester “Low-Cost/No-Cost Textbooks.” Students and Advisors can both search for these.

    Options to save money on textbooks include buying used books instead of new, but always make sure the used book is the correct edition requested by your Professor. You can also go online and do a quick search for other websites that rent and sell used/new college textbooks. However, when buying a textbook online, please account for shipping time and the start of classes. You would not want to fall behind on any assignments or reading because you are waiting to receive your textbook in the mail.

    Living In The Residence Halls

    If you decide to live on the Pace campus and become part of our Residence Life Community, you will be living with one or two other roommates. You may have lived with roommates at your prior school, but every new roommate situation is different.

    We suggest that once you know whom you will be rooming with, to connect with those individuals through Pace email, social media, etc. This will allow you to get to know them prior to your arrival on campus. Sometimes, students begin to coordinate on what each will contribute to the room (ie. TV, rugs, etc). It is also an opportunity to get a sense of what your roommate’s expectations are, and your own. Remember, this is a good time to examine your social media and make any necessary adjustments if how you represent yourself could be misinterpreted by your new roommate.

    In addition to connecting with your roommate, you will also have access to your Resident Assistant (RA), who will explain everything you need to know about living in the Residence Halls. Your RA will be the point person for all housing related concerns. They are also a great resource for learning about opportunities to get involved and connect with students on your floor and in your building. In addition, your RA will provide information about Residence Life events and how to receive “housing points” for participating in select events, which can be used toward raffles, prizes and more!

    In addition to connecting with your roommate and utilizing your RA as a resource, you will also have a Residence Director (RD) located in your hall. Your RD can address any major concerns or questions you have and can clarify any housing policies and procedures. For more information, check out the housing website.

    Your First Semester Bill And Financial Aid

    The Financial Aid office is here to assist you through the process of filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submitting your tuition fees on time. Taking out loans, parent plus loans, and accepting your financial aid package all include specific steps you need to follow. You have to make sure you sign off and accept your package online, as well as making sure you understand where and how your financial aid will be applied. The Office of the First-Year Experience encourages you to have these items resolved prior to the semester starting.

    Work-study is another opportunity you may qualify for, and if offered, it will be part of your financial aid package. However, securing a work-study position is not always guaranteed. You will need to seek out and apply to an on-campus position on your own. It is expected that the money you earn from your work-study position will be used toward cost of attendance. Feel free to browse the student section of the on-campus employment opportunities website.

    Request Accommodations If Needed

    Student Accessibility Services (SAS) can assist you in your transition to Pace if you require additional assistance or had specific accommodations at your prior school. Please contact SAS directly to address your concerns before the semester starts, allowing for a smoother transition.

  • Your First Six Weeks

    Your first semester at Pace should be exciting and enjoyable, but it may also be scary and overwhelming. As you might be aware from your prior experience as a college student, part of the adjustment process is being accountable for balancing your school work, social life and outside commitments. Moreover, you will need to adapt to the new culture, policies, and procedures here at Pace, as these may differ from your prior school.

    Tips To Help During The First Six Weeks

    • Make sure you take care of any schedule changes during the add/drop period (the first two weeks of school).
    • If you need to withdraw from a class after the add/drop period has ended, you must talk to your Academic Advisor.
    • Attend the Transfer Student Welcome (and other Welcome Month events!).
    • You should take care of any outstanding financial balances, immunization paperwork, meal plan adjustments, housing concerns, etc. as early as possible.
    • Start checking your Pace email right away- this is essential! In addition, you have the ability to forward your Pace emails to your personal email. Every office at Pace uses email for distributing important information – but it will only be sent to your Pace email.
    • Give yourself time to adjust, keep an open mind, and say "yes" to invites or events on campus in order to expand your network and meet new people.
    • Work closely with your Academic and/or Faculty Advisor to plan coursework that meets your career and transfer goals, as well as to create a customized Pace Path Plan for achieving these goals.
    • Review your Transfer Credit Evaluation with an Academic Advisor and how this will impact courses for the next semester. Make sure you have received a completed and final Transfer Credit Evaluation.
    • Investigate program-related clubs and activities that will allow you to gain experience and build your resume. Consider getting involved!
    • Make sure to rollover effective study habits you adopted in your prior school. Arrive on time and attend class regularly. Review assigned readings and notes before each class. Don't procrastinate; complete assignments in advance, if possible. Develop a timeline for larger projects to avoid last-minute, all-night homework sessions. Lastly, allow ample study or writing time before taking an exam or completing an essay.
    • Stay on top of coursework and avoid procrastination, so by the end of the first six weeks you will be ready and prepared for midterms!
  • Mid-Semester Experiences

    Midterms

    Most likely, you experienced midterms at the school you attended prior to Pace. Similarly, we use the term “midterms” at Pace for the time about 6 weeks into the semester when most classes start to give exams or major papers are due. There isn’t an official midterm period, but you can expect to be studying a lot and might feel a bit overwhelmed around that time. While we want you to work hard, study, and take this important time seriously, we don’t want you feeling overly stressed or anxious. By being accountable for your own actions and remaining self-aware, you can help reduce those negative feelings.

    During this time, we recommend you take advantage of our Learning Common. The Learning Commons that offers tutoring services in multiple subject areas including Writing, Mathematics, the sciences, Economics, Finance, Accounting and many others.

    In addition, we encourage you to utilize the Library, which has numerous places to study and do homework (a great alternative to your dorm room, which can be distracting!).

    Midterm period is also an important time to evaluate how you are doing in your courses. If you are receiving grades from papers and exams, they can give you a better sense of where you stand academically and what opportunities you have left to improve or maintain your current grades. Exams, quizzes, papers, class participation and attendance are all considered opportunities for success and improvement.

    Registering For Next Semester Courses

    Please check out our Transfer Student Advising page that explains the advising and registration procedure for transfer students. Please make sure to read it carefully, but always know that you will have help throughout your first semester and beyond from your School Based Advisor. Don’t forget to set up an appointment in advance.

    Staying Healthy

    Staying healthy, which includes sleeping well, eating well, and getting enough physical and mental rest, is very important to your success. As a student at Pace, there are opportunities to get involved, go out and engage in social activities, but there is also a need for balance. In order to stay on track and remain healthy, sleep is critical, - just don’t oversleep for class! It might seem obvious that sleep is important, but sometimes lack of sleep is one of the biggest concerns we see with first year students. Make sure to sleep enough to not get run down during crucial times during the semester (especially midterms and finals) and practice self-care. Lack of sleep can also lead to lingering colds, flu, etc. We know it is not always easy to stick to a sleep schedule and eat healthy all the time in your first semester, but remember, in the end, it can have an impact on your success.

    Also, not only is it important to stay physically healthy, but it is essential to stay mentally healthy as well. Pace prides themselves on having one of the best higher education Counseling Center’s in the nation. We believe having someone to talk to and supporting you during your transition, along with being allowed to express yourself in a supportive environment, is essential to your success. Aside from formal counseling, there are also many organizations, clubs and events on campus that can help you meet others, express yourself, and destress.

  • Semester Wrap-Up/Winter Break

    Finals

    As the semester comes to a close, you will be working on papers, projects and studying for final exams. At this point, you should have your next semester schedule set, understand what final work you need to complete, and also begin reflecting on and thinking about what your remaining time at Pace will look like.

    Your first semester at Pace will pass in the blink of an eye, so make sure you are keeping up with your work as finals approach. Finals week can be stressful with multiple projects or exams due on the same day, so managing your time, and setting deadlines for yourself will be very important.

    The Learning Commons also offers review sessions in various subjects. It is recommended to form study groups with peers as a way to review course material and stay alert. Completing your work is important, but quality and good performance also matter. Feel free to talk to your Academic Advisor for further advice and recommendations about how to prepare and manage the stress of finals.

    Your Next Semester Schedule And Grades

    Usually, within a few weeks of the semester ending, most of your final grades are available to view online in Pace portal. Once all grades are in, you will have a cumulative GPA based on a 0-4.0 scale. Maintaining at least a 2.0 is essential at Pace not only for academic success but to ensure your financial package (including scholarships), remain intact. This is called “Good Academic Standing”. Reviewing your grades will also allow you to make appropriate adjustments to your next semester schedule, if in fact there is a course you need to retake or drop.

    You can also modify your schedule over the break. Perhaps there was a course you were hoping to get into but it was closed and now open, or you decide to change your major or explore a different subject. You can adjust your schedule directly on the portal. However, you should consult with your Academic Advisor before you make changes to your schedule.

    Pace Path Plans

    As you begin to wrap up your first semester at Pace, consider reviewing your Pace Path plan that you worked on with your Academic Advisor. Each student takes a different path at Pace, but the path is made up of a lot of activities outside of the classroom that will strengthen your skills as you enter the work world after college. Pace Path experiences include items such as internships, leadership positions, volunteering, engaging in student organizations, undergraduate research, and professional development. While your first-semester Pace Path may just be a draft, you should continue modifying it each semester in order to make sure you have set goals to accomplish, and are on track to graduate as a well-rounded student with experience inside and outside of the classroom.

    Summer and Winter Classes

    Another option to consider as you finish up your first semester at Pace is to take Summer or Winter session courses. For Transfer students, this is a great way to earn credits in a relatively quick amount of time and catch up on classes.

    Pace offers courses during the winter in our January Inter-Session period, which starts around the beginning of January, and ends right before your spring semester starts, as well as during the summer months in two separate sessions. These are opportunities to earn 3 credits in a quick, compact timeline. These courses are charged per credit and are not typically covered by financial aid. The courses will meet for several hours a day and around three to four days a week – which is different than how your classes are structured during the semester. There are also online sections available, which are a great option if you are not local. If this is something you would like to consider, speak to your Academic Advisor and how this fits into your transfer timeline.

  • Your Second Semester At Pace

    Back To Class

    Just like the first semester, during the first two weeks of the spring semester is our add/drop period in which you can add/drop courses. Classes usually begin the last week in January. At this point, you should have looked at your first semester grades, but if you have not, make sure to do so and adjust your schedule in consultation with your Academic Advisor if needed.

    Honor Societies, Pace Clubs & Organizations

    Once you are more comfortable at balancing schoolwork and social life, your second semester is a great time to get involved in a Pace club or organization. While you might want to choose a club to join that is related to your major, you can join anything you think is interesting or fun! It’s a great way to participate in the Pace community, and meet other students with similar interests. Later on, clubs and organizations also provide great opportunities for networking as you look for internships and jobs. We recommend to join at least one club or student organization on campus- even if that means stepping outside of your comfort zone a bit.

    Working hard pays off! If you qualify based on your GPA after the first semester, you may be invited to join a National Honor Society. These are national organizations that have chapters all over the United States. It is a great credential for your resume and allows you to join a group of students at the University who have also been successful academically. Often, students in these organizations apply and participate as executive board members in which they can hold a student leadership position, and organize and structure activities and involvement for the Honor Society. Accepting membership into an Honor Society is a great way to build leadership skills and take an active role on campus.

    Academic Probation

    As mentioned earlier, checking your grades from your first semester is important in order to understand where you stand academically. Pace requires students to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, which is equivalent to an average grade of C. You must maintain this average, and if you fall below it, you are considered to be on academic probation, which can cause implications. You can lose your financial aid package, including scholarships, or potentially be dismissed from the University. For further information about Academic Probation, refer to our Academic Advising website. The Academic Advisors at Pace are very willing to work with you and provide additional guidance on how to get back on track for your second semester.

Transfer Advising

  • Academic Advising is meant to provide guidance, assistance, advice and a clear understanding on your academic courses, degree requirements, major, class registration, etc. You’re not in this process alone – your Academic Advisor is here to help! Besides helping you make appropriate course selections when you register for the spring and fall semesters, your advisor is there to:

    • Help you identify campus resources that can help you deal with academic or personal difficulties
    • Discuss how to address academic difficulties if your professors have expressed concern for your progress in the academic alert process, or if you have been placed on probation
    • Help you develop problem-solving skills, exercise independent judgment, and assume responsibility for your own academic success

    It will also be your advisor’s objective to make sure that you feel more comfortable with:

    • Appreciating the value of liberal learning
    • Incorporating self-reflection into your higher education
    • Registering for classes that best meet your curricular and intellectual needs
    • Planning not just for semester classes, but four year planning
  • Your Academic Advisor is based on your School. Take the opportunity to form a relationship with your Advisor. Your Advisor is also instrumental in helping you understand your Transfer Credit Evaluation and how to apply your earned credits toward your curriculum.

    To find out who your Advisor is:

    • Log into your Pace Portal and go to the Student Records Link, Click View Student Information, Select the Current Semester, Click Submit. This will open up the information screen which will contain your Primary Advisor Information.
    • Consult Degree Works in Portal
    • Use your Success Network in OnTrack
    • If you are still unsure who your advisor is, email Whoismyadvisor@pace.edu

    Select your school to be directed to your Advisor's Contact Information:

  • To make an appointment with an Advisor, email, call, or drop by during their office hours to schedule an individual appointment. In your email, it is helpful to include your availability, your UID, and your Major/Minor, along with any other information you might feel is helpful.

    Many Advisors use OnTrack to schedule advisement appointments. View instructions on navigating OnTrack (PDF) and accessing your "My Success Network".

    Registration for the fall takes place in the middle of November, and for the spring, the middle of April. Therefore, we recommend reaching out to your Advisor a few weeks in advance to secure an appointment on their calendar.

  • The path to choosing a major can be different for everyone; for some, the answers will become clear within a short period of time, while for others, it will take longer to investigate and take the needed steps to finalize this decision. In any case, Advisors in the Advising Center for Exploring Majors are available to help students throughout this personal journey.

    The mission of the Advising Center for Exploring Majors is to help undecided students explore their interests, skills and goals so that they can make an informed choice of major at Pace University. Committed to holistic advising, the Center serves as the primary academic advising office for students who are undeclared or changing majors, assisting with advising issues that will help them make a successful transition to the colleges and schools of the University. Through individual advisement sessions and self-assessments aimed at fostering greater self-understanding of personal, academic, and professional goals, the Center helps these students move purposively toward graduation.

    It is highly recommended that you have a major in mind by the time you have earned 64 credits.

  • Speak with your Advisor about changing your major or if you want to declare and are currently undecided. You will then need to fill out a Change of Major form from the Registrar's Office.

    Your Advisor will then need to sign off on the form, in addition to a representative from the Dept. of the major you would like to declare. Turn this form into the Office of the Registrar and check your Portal to make sure the change is reflected.

  • Before registering, you need to make sure you are prepared:

    • Review Core and Major Requirements (refer to the worksheets and handouts on your school website or ask your Advisor for a copy)
    • Draft a preliminary schedule on a blank schedule grid (DOCX) using the Schedule Explorer to locate each course name, CRN, day and time
    • Meet with your Advisor!
    • Take care of any outstanding Holds on your student account (see below)
    • Know your Registration date; your date and time will be posted on your Portal

    Possible Holds that will prevent you from registering on time:

    • *School Based - Academic: Haven't met with an advisor
    • Library: Owe library material and/or overdue fees
    • Registrar: Tuition has not been paid in full
    • Final Transcript: Final Transcript/Grades from prior institution has not been sent
    • MMR Immunization: Immunization records have not been sent
    • Housing Discipline: Unresolved housing discipline situation

    *Depending on your School, you may have a school based hold on your account that will not let you register until you have met with an Academic Advisor. If this is the case, only your Academic Advisor can release the hold once you have met for an advisement appointment.

    Registration dates for Fall, Spring and Summer differ, so make sure to know these dates in advance of registration.

    We also have a Registration Guide (PDF) for further directions on how to register.

  • A student is placed on academic probation each semester that his or her overall GPA drops below 2.0. Students are taken off probation when they raise their CGPA above 2.0. Please consult with your Advisor if you are on Academic Probation, as each school has its own probation policies.

    Keep the following in mind to prevent yourself from ending up on probation:

    • Poor study habits: When you have poor grades in all or in a number of courses, it is not always just your ability to do the work, but possibly your motivation, self-discipline and time management.
    • Ability: When you have performed poorly in courses that require certain skills, go to the Learning Commons or the office hours of your professor. Motivation or study habits might not be the issue as much as aptitude.
    • Adjustment: Doing poorly due to trouble adjusting to a new environment. This may or may not persist - so talk to an advisor or make an appointment with the Counseling Center.
    • Employment: We understand that students may not only go to college, but work too. However, working too many hours is counterproductive. You lose far more than you gain, both economically and educationally. If it’s not possible for you to reduce the number of hours/weeks you work, explore the possibility of reducing the number of courses/credits you take, but keeping in mind financial aid will be affected if you switch to part-time (below 12 credits).
    • Choice of major: Sometimes, a major is selected due to wrong information, parental pressure, and pressure to select a major, or any variety of reasons that do not reflect a mature and self-aware choice. Sometimes, poor performance may be tied to doubt about your major choice or pressure you feel to pursue something that does not interest or suit you. Contact the Advising Center for Exploring Majors about your choices and Pace's Exploring Majors and Careers course to help you further in your decision.