Fresh Feathers — an association and organization for transfer students under the
New Student & Leadership Programs — is hosting a number of events during National Transfer Support Week to help build a community among those transferring to Lamar University from other colleges.
Its mission, said Brandie Van Zanden, director of NSLP, is to be a group that transfer students can turn to when confused or needing help or just a group of people who “understand the journey.”
“It is to be a group for other transfer students to confide in or be friends with,” Van Zanden said, explaining that its inception came from a former student coordinator of NSLP who was, themselves, a transfer student. “They felt there was information, guidance and support missing for transfer students as they transition to LU and wanted to create something not only to support them, but to encourage community and fun.”
The director also noted that they recognized a need for this kind of organization at Lamar University, as incoming freshmen students often have programs and opportunities to meet other students, but that same sense of welcome for other transfer students is lacking.
“This is why Fresh Feathers was established — to help new transfer students as they transition to LU and provide a group of students to support each other and build community,” Van Zanden said.
Any students interested in joining Fresh Feathers is encouraged to reach out by emailing nslp@lamar.edu or through social media.