From Uncertainty to Belonging: Transfer Students Find Community at Mount Union
April 17, 2025By Chloe Laszlo '25
Starting over at a new school can be daunting, but the University of Mount Union is committed to helping transfer students feel welcome and supported as they adjust to a new campus and community. Following the recent closure of Notre Dame College (NDC), several students chose to continue their academic journeys at Mount Union.
Among them are Adriana Valletta ’26, an early childhood and intervention specialist double major, and Ally Ivey ‘25, a sport business major. Valletta and Ivey share what it’s been like to join the Mount Union family.
Valletta transferred from NDC in the fall of 2023 and described her first weeks at Mount Union as overwhelming but ultimately encouraging.
“I was very nervous.” Said Valletta. “I only knew one person who transferred with me, it was my first time living on my own, and I didn’t know the campus well.”
Despite the nerves, Valletta quickly found her footing in the classroom. She credits the support of faculty like Melissa Ruggles, lecturer in the School of Education, who taught an online class designed to bridge any learning gaps for transfer students.
“The transition was very smooth,” Valletta explained. “I just entered education classes as if I were continuing them at Notre Dame.”
Ivey also found her transition manageable, thanks to the welcoming academic environment.
“I transferred in with an associate degree already, so I had a good understanding of how college courses were designed,” Ivey said. “My professors made sure everyone understood what was expected.”
For both Valletta and Ivey, building new relationships was a challenge. Faculty and staff played a critical role in helping both students feel supported and connected. Valletta highlighted how accessible and helpful her professors were from the beginning.
“I’m a shy person at first,” Valletta admitted. “It was hard coming in as a junior when everyone already had their groups.”
Ivey emphasized how impactful individual staff members were to her success.
“Without Dr. Braa encouraging me to join Raider Student Media, Lynn Riggle taking me to College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI), Dr. Kadeleck helping me find internships, or Christian Lopez listening to my fears, I wouldn’t have the relationships or opportunities I have today,” Ivey said.
Both students also found a community through campus organizations. Valletta joined Alpha Delta Pi (ADPi), Aspiring Educators, and the Transfer Student Organization (TSO), which helped her meet new people and get involved.
Ivey dove into a wide range of activities as well, including Raider Student Media (RSM), the Digital Learning Task Force, Sports Information, and TSO, where she currently serves as president. Ivey’s involvement in TSO and RSM led her to launch a new podcast called Transfer Testimonials:
“As a transfer, it’s easy to feel alone; I wanted to create a space where we could share our stories and connect with each other,” said Ivey. “Even though our paths are different, they’re often shaped by similar challenges and triumphs.”
Reflecting on their journeys, both Valletta and Ivey shared advice for incoming transfer students.
“Starting at a new school can be scary,” Valletta said. “But joining the Mount Union family has been the best thing that’s happened to me; don’t be afraid to put yourself out there -- join clubs, meet people, and ask for help when you need it. You’re not alone.”
Ivey echoed the importance of being proactive.
“Introduce yourself to professors, classmates, the people sitting next to you,” she advised. “Advocate for yourself, and don’t let fear keep you from building connections,” said Ivey. “If you don’t try, the answer is always no.”
From nerves and uncertainty to confidence and connection, both students agree that Mount Union has not only given them a fresh start but also a place to thrive.
To learn more about Mount Union’s transfer student initiatives, check out the web page.