Transfer Tea, An AACRAO Podcast

After receiving a thoughtful email from a listener, Loida explores a difficult but important question: What happens when one institution wants to partner, and the other doesn't? Building on a recent conversation about how universities can be better partners to community colleges, this solo episode examines the other side of the equation. Drawing on findings from her doctoral research with com...

Innovation in higher education often moves slower than the students it’s meant to serve—but learning mobility demands something different. In this episode, Loida sits down with Lizzie from Edvisorly to explore how technology is reshaping the transfer experience, from credit articulation to real-time decision-making. Together, they unpack what it truly means to build systems that recognize learning...

  In recognition of Global Advising Week, this episode of Transfer Tea explores the evolving role of advising in an era shaped by learning mobility, transfer complexity, and student-centered innovation. Loida sits down with Sabih, co-founder of Stellic, to discuss how one student’s vision—deeply inspired by the mentorship of Carnegie Mellon advisor Mark Stehlik—grew into a platform focused on help...

They’ve been on both sides of transfer—as students navigating the process and as mentors helping others through it. In this episode, Mimi and Mckenna share the tea on what transfer students actually experience, what support really matters, and where institutions still fall short. Now graduate students, they reflect on how those experiences shaped who they are today—and what both students and highe...

In this episode of Transfer Tea , Loida sits down with Ashley to unpack a critical question emerging from research and practice: Are universities truly being the partners they expect community colleges to be? Drawing on insights from Loida’s dissertation, the conversation explores gaps in communication, policy clarity, and shared responsibility that impact transfer students. Together, they challen...

Transfer isn’t broken because people don’t care — it’s broken because processes go unexamined. In this episode of Transfer Tea , Loida sits down with Alex Aljets to talk about why institutions must continuously assess and map their processes if they truly want to serve students well. From transfer credit articulation to adult learner applications to onboarding communications, they explore how well...

As higher education expands its commitment to access, Prison Education Programs (PEPs) are playing an increasingly critical role in creating equitable pathways for learners. But what happens when education must function without Wi-Fi, laptops, student portals, or even consistent communication?   In this episode of Transfer Tea , we explore the operational, ethical, and mobility challenges institut...

What happens when learning is recognized—but doesn’t fully move? In this episode of Transfer Tea, we explore the complexity of Joint Services Transcript (JST) credit through the lens of learning mobility. While JSTs document rigorous military training and occupational expertise, many service members discover that awarded credit doesn’t always translate into meaningful degree progress. Why does thi...

Learning rarely follows a straight line—and higher education is being challenged to move with it. In this episode of Transfer Tea , Quintina Barnett Gallion joins the conversation to break down what learning mobility is, why it matters, and what it means for today’s learners. We explore how learning mobility goes beyond transfer to include prior learning, workforce and military credit, and cross-i...

In this season-opening episode of Transfer Tea , I share reflections from the Strategic Enrollment Management Conference and an intro for a new season centered on learning mobility. The episode explores why higher education must continue to adapt as learners face changing policies, costs, and pathways. Listeners are introduced to learning mobility as a way of making sure learning counts—wherever a...

In this episode, we’re joined by a fellow higher education professional who walked the halls of Capitol Hill alongside us during Hill Day. Together, we reflect on why advocacy matters—even when the outcomes aren’t immediate, the process is complex, and our calendars are already full. What keeps us showing up, asking questions, and telling our students’ stories? Let’s unpack it.     Host: Loida Gon...

In this special Admit It! and Transfer TEA crossover episode, hosts Alex Fronduto and Loida González Utley sit down to discuss one of the most persistent challenges in higher education—bridging the divide between freshman and transfer admissions. Drawing from national data and institutional experiences, they examine why these two areas often operate in silos, the impact that disconnect has on stud...

In this episode of Transfer Tea , we explore the tension between student responsibility and institutional responsibility when it comes to navigating policies and processes. Inspired by a institutional policy  workshop from Student Ready Strategies , we discuss reactions, lessons learned, and how institutions can rethink policy design to be more student-ready. Tune in as we unpack practical takeawa...

In this episode of Transfer Tea , we sit down with Isaiah Vance, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advising & Transfer Initiatives at the Texas A&M University System ,  to explore how university systems are driving innovation in transfer. Isaiah shares how NASH is working with institutions across the country to reimagine transfer pathways, scale best practices, and ensure more equitable outcom...

What happens when higher ed systems stop working in silos and start transforming transfer together? In this episode, Juliette Price of the National Association of System Heads (NASH) spills the tea on how Networked Improvement Communities (NICs) are helping universities rethink transfer through collaboration, data, and equity-driven innovation. Tune in to hear how systems across the country are us...

In "Direct Flight: PTK’s Nonstop Route to Transfer," we explore how Phi Theta Kappa is transforming the transfer landscape with its new direct admissions initiative. By partnering with four-year institutions, PTK is removing application barriers and offering eligible students a streamlined, stress-free path to their next campus. Tune in to learn how this bold move is reshaping opportunit...

Brew your favorite cup because you do not want to miss this one! In this exciting episode of Transfer Tea, we welcome two incredible transfer champions: Loida Gonzalez Utley and Heather Adams from Transfer Nation!  Together, they spill the tea on everything you can expect at the upcoming AACRAO Technology & Transfer Summit – the must-attend event for anyone passionate about transfer, mobility,...

Research indicates that transfer students often perform as well as, if not better than, their peers who start at four-year institutions. However, misconceptions about the rigor and value of community college education persist. Faculty can challenge these biases by recognizing the strengths transfer students bring and advocating for institutional policies that facilitate credit transfer and academi...

In this episode of Transfer Tea, we explore how automation is transforming transfer articulation in higher education. Joined by members of the AACRAO SPEEDE Committee, we discuss technologies like OCR, XML, and EDI that are streamlining the management of student data and improving processes. Tune in to learn how these innovations are helping institutions enhance efficiency and better serve student...

The University of North Carolina (UNC) System focuses on exploring innovative approaches to improving the transfer process for students. This initiative aims to address barriers and create smoother pathways for community college students and others transferring to four-year institutions within the UNC system. The discussions often include topics such as improving credit transfer policies, enhancin...

If you have been following transfer news, you may have come across the transfer work being done in the state of Virginia. In this two-part episode we will learn more about what inspired Transfer Virginia, how it came to be, and what it is now.   Host: Loida González Utley Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Services Texas A&M University- Central Texas loida.gonzalez@tamuct.edu   Guests:   D...

In this episode we continue the conversation about Transfer Virginia and what it hoped for the future.     Host: Loida González Utley Director of Recruitment and Enrollment Services Texas A&M University- Central Texas loida.gonzalez@tamuct.edu   Guests:   Dr. Micol Hutchinson Interim Vice Chancellor for Policy and Instructional Support Services Virginia’s Community College System   Patricia Pa...

Every summer, AACRAO invites field professionals in the registrar, admissions, and recruitment fields to share their expertise with congressional representative in Capitol Hill. Join us as we share our professional and personal experiences at this year’s Hill Day, highlighting our favorite moments. Host: Loida González Utley Director for Recruitment and Enrollment Services Texas A&M University...

Join us as we attempt to unravel the meaning and purpose of accreditation, how it has changed over the past few years, what different terminology means, and how it has impacted credit mobility.     Host: Loida González Utley Director for Recruitment and Enrollment Services Texas A&M University- Central Texas loida.gonzalez@tamuct.edu   Guest: Dr. Marc Booker Vice Provost of Strategy University...

Set the table, it’s tea time…again! On this first episode, learn about being an upper level institution. Get to know your host, Loida González Utley, a leader in higher education and advocate for transfer students. Discover some of the upcoming episodes that we are brewing and get ready to explore this unique population that we call “transfer students” and hear from some thoughts from our members...