Phi Theta Kappans looking for a transfer institution dedicated to preparing students to lead rich lives of purpose and meaning have a new opportunity in Pennsylvania’s Elizabethtown College. Members will find that not only is E-town College, as it’s fondly known, committed to “educate for service,” but it is also commitmented to helping members finish what they start with it’s offering of scholarships for members.
1. Tell us about your college’s new transfer scholarship for members of Phi Theta Kappa.
Beginning in the Spring 2020 semester, Elizabethtown College will offer a $1,000 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. This scholarship is renewable each year and is available to all members of PTK who indicate their membership on their transfer application.
2. Why does your college feel that it is important to offer a scholarship opportunity for members?
At Elizabethtown College, we are passionate about student success, and we want to acknowledge PTK members’ academic and co-curricular achievements. We understand that affordability is often a key factor in a student’s college decision, and we are thrilled to offer this award to PTK members and help them finish what they started.
3. Are there other transfer scholarships that could be stacked with your Phi Theta Kappa award?
Recognizing a student’s academic success and making E-town affordable are of the utmost importance to us. In addition to the $1,000 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship for members, all transfer applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $16,000 per year. Transfer applicants who meet specific criteria may also qualify for our Mosaic Scholarship and/or Music Performance Scholarship.
4. What other opportunities are available for transfer students at your institution to assist them in successfully transitioning from community college?
All transfer students are put in touch with an academic advisor specific to their major when they are admitted to E-town College. Once a transfer student commits to attending E-town, they work with this advisor one-on-one to create their first semester schedule and start looking ahead to find internships, study abroad, and employment opportunities.
We realize that veteran students are well-represented within the transfer student population, and we have a VA Certifying Official on campus who can help veteran students understand their educational benefits as they transition to E-town College. We have also developed a great orientation program for new students, including transfer students, to help ease the transition to a new college.
5. In your opinion, what is one of the most impressive things about your college?
The strong focus on outcomes and job placement. Faculty appreciate the value that transfer students bring to the classroom and work with them to ensure they are job-ready by graduation. In addition, our commitment is to Educate for Service. We believe that learning is most noble when used to benefit others, regardless of a student’s chosen career path. We prepare our students to lead rich lives of purpose and meaning, while advancing independent thought, personal integrity, and social responsibility. These are the foundations for a life of learning.
6. Are there any special events or deadlines on your recruitment calendar that you would like to share?
Transfer students are invited to attend one of our Open Houses, held throughout the year in the Fall, Spring, and Summer. At these events, transfer students have the opportunity to speak with their admissions counselor, meet with representatives from various academic departments, speak to a financial aid counselor or an athletic coach, and learn more about being a Blue Jay from current students during a campus tour. We also hold a Transfer Student Information Session at each Open House.
We also host Transfer Decision Days throughout the year as well. If attending a Transfer Decision Day, prospective transfer students are able to experience what life is really like as a Blue Jay! Students are given the opportunity to meet with a dedicated transfer admissions counselor, meet with a representative from their chosen academic department(s), take a campus tour, sit in on a class, and learn more about credit transfer and degree plans. Transfer students may also receive an on-site admissions and scholarship decision if they submit an application and bring required transcripts with them on the day of their visit.
