STEP Eases Transfer Transition

The new Student Transfer Enrichment Program (STEP) helps transfer students adjust  – and thrive within the College of Sciences.

“We created STEP based on feedback from transfer students who asked for additional support in their first semesters at Tech,” says College of Sciences Program Director Lea Marzo.

Professor of Biological Sciences and Center for Programs to Increase Engagement in Sciences (C-PIES) Director Lewis Wheaton oversees the program.

“STEP allows us to focus on the unique needs of a growing population of our College, ensuring they feel connected and understand all the opportunities afforded to them at Georgia Tech,” says Wheaton. “I am thankful to the College of Sciences Advisory Board who stepped up to help fund and build this program that will positively impact so many of our students.”

A pilot program, STEP provides academic support, social engagement, and leadership development to the more than 150 undergraduate students who transfer into the College of Sciences yearly.

STEP student Suzanne Sewell, a chemistry major from Milton, Georgia, always dreamed of attending Tech. She transferred from Auburn University to receive in-state tuition and participate in undergraduate research.

“I think STEP is a great program for transfer students because it’s a welcoming environment,” says Sewell. “Taking part in STEP and meeting other transfer students made me feel like I wasn’t on my own, trying to adjust to a new school and classes.”

Stepping up

Students are first introduced to STEP through GT 2000, a one-credit-hour class led by Marzo, designed to help incoming transfer students successfully transition to the Georgia Tech community.

In addition to weekly discussions, special events and activities focus on how to acclimate to Georgia Tech. In fall 2024, students participated in a tour of the Center for Organic Photonics and Electronics (COPE) research lab, attended a career workshop with Career Education Program Manager James Stringfellow, and engaged in a study abroad discussion with Assistant Dean for Academic Programs Cam Tyson.

STEP students also have access to free academic tutoring in core science and math classes, helping them navigate the rigor of the Georgia Tech curriculum.

“I visited the Math Lab very frequently and attended Math nights for group tutoring,” says Shreya Tiwari, a math major pursuing a degree in computational and applied mathematics. “Both programs were extremely helpful and convenient since we did not have to schedule an appointment. The tutoring was provided by graduate students who gave tailored and effective feedback.”

During the GT 2000 class, STEP students are paired with peer mentors, who are chosen based on academic standing and leadership skills. 

“Peer pods provide a personal connection,” says Marzo. “They can ask questions they might feel more comfortable asking a peer.”

Most of the mentors are former transfer students. In the future, Marzo hopes many of the STEP students will apply to become mentors after completing the one-year program.

A passion for helping others prompted Maliyah Steed, a second-year biochemistry major, to become a STEP mentor. “I try to help my mentees feel connected, included, and accepted,” explains Steed. “Even though they’ve been in college before, it can still be a huge adjustment for transfer students because Tech is way different than other schools.”

STEP mentor Colin Stephenson, a biochemistry major with a pre-med focus, hopes his personal experience helps others.

 “As a transfer student, I faced everything from navigating an unfamiliar course registration system to finding my place socially,” says Stephenson. “Becoming a STEP mentor felt like something I could do to ensure newer transfer students wouldn’t have to stumble through those same challenges alone.”

STEP is open to any student transferring into the College of Sciences. On-campus housing is not required, but students can opt to live in Explore, the College of Sciences living and learning community.

“I would definitely recommend STEP to other transfer students,” says Tiwari. “It helped me feel less overwhelmed and armed me with the skills I need to succeed in Tech’s academically rigorous system.”