Southeast hosts Transfer Pride Week to help welcome transfer students

From Jan. 27 through 31, Southeast hosted its third annual Transfer Pride Week in efforts to welcoming transfer students on campus.

The week consisted of daily events on the main and River campuses as transfer students were encouraged to pick up special Transfer Pride Week “passports” from the Office of Residence Life.

At each event or location, students collected stamps on their Southeast passport given at the beginning of the week. On Monday, Feb. 3, the passports were turned into the Office of Residence Life and entered into a drawing for Southeast gear.

The week was kicked off with snacks and activities in the Crisp Museum at the River Campus. Students and visitors were able to explore historical and artistic exhibits and paint ceramic tiles.

Assistant Director of Admissions Brooke Lockhart said the week was planned to help celebrate transfer students who have made their way to Southeast.

Lockhart said each year it is necessary to plan an event at River Campus to spread exposure and awareness.

“For a lot of students, if they don’t need to take any classes here [on River Campus], many times they do not make the trip down here to visit and experience all there is to see at River Campus,” Lockhart said.

The event gave the options of either finger weaving or tile painting for students and visitors.

Museum manager Jim Phillips said the hope was for students to be aware of the resources available for them at River Campus and Crisp Museum.

“We want them to first know that we’re here and that we are a part of the university and we’re resourced for students to come to for entertainment, enjoyment and education,” Phillips said.

Phillips shared that he and River Campus have participated in Transfer Pride Week all three years and have tried to do more to expand opportunities for students.

The week continued with the “Make your Mark in the Dome” event, where students met faculty and staff and signed their names in the Academic Hall Dome.

Southeast transfer Colt Walls was present at the event and had the opportunity to sign the dome.

Walls said that was the first event he had attended and thought it was an interesting event to help gather and bring students in.

“I think if anybody has the opportunity or the chance to come out to transfer week they should,” Walls said.

Walls said there are a lot of helpful people and places on campus that have accommodated him and the needs of other students on campus.

On Wednesday, Jan. 29, students, faculty, staff, and people from all parts of the area gathered in the Show Me Center to help celebrate MLK’s memory and honor special women in the Southeast Missouri area. Complimentary tickets were offered to transfer students at the Show Me Center.

The week concluded with a Photobooth and T-shirt giveaway at Kent Library on Jan. 30th, and gymnastic meet in Houck Field House on Jan. 31st.