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Tawny Flude, Team Lead and Coordinator of Articulation and Transfer Pathways at Trent University

Tawny Flude, Team Lead and Coordinator of Articulation and Transfer Pathways at Trent University, is a dedicated transfer ambassador who collaborates closely with colleagues from other institutions to create new opportunities for transfer students. She is a member of ONCAT’s HOTA (Heads of Transfer Advising) committee. Through her dedication to learner mobility, Tawny works to continually enhance office operations to support students transitioning to Trent better. 

How long have you worked in postsecondary education and what was your journey to this job?

I started working at Trent 11 years ago. I worked as an occasional secondary school teacher when I secured a part-time contract in Admissions. I instantly fell in love with the postsecondary world! I had a few opportunities in the Admissions Office, supporting applicants, processing applications, and coordinating transfer credit assessments. From there, I transitioned to Recruitment as an Enrolment Advisor, where I planned events and offerings for prospective students, travelled to other schools to present and speak with students, and facilitated transfer-specific recruitment efforts. Six years ago, I moved into my current role and have had so many unique experiences since.  

Why is it important to promote and enhance student mobility?

Every student is unique. Enhancing student mobility helps account for different transfer paths students may take while reducing financial barriers incurred in the process. Additionally, promoting student mobility helps guide students to opportunities available to them and reduces confusion when seeking new opportunities. The more opportunities available to transfer students, the more likely transfer students are to find an option for them.  

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

I’m incredibly lucky to work with amazing colleagues from postsecondary institutions and organizations across the province, the country, and around the world. It's very rewarding to work with different institutions to develop exciting opportunities and support a student’s journey through postsecondary. Through my participation with ONCAT, I’ve also had the opportunity to share all the amazing things my institution is doing for transfer students and support other professionals in the sector while also learning from colleagues about their own best practices.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Every institution has its own approach to transfer, to some extent. Navigating the different processes and priorities of other institutions can be challenging when trying to create pathway opportunities for students. Opportunities through ONCAT to connect with colleagues in the province are a helpful resource for trying to understand and adapt to different processes.

What are some common reasons students seek to transfer?

A big part of postsecondary education for students is finding their fit: the program, the institution, their goals, etc. These factors may change throughout a student’s postsecondary journey. Transfer provides an outlet for students to pivot. Whether students have changed their minds about their program, need to seek an institution closer to home, or want to advance their current credentials to meet their goals, transfer is an essential resource for students.

How can student mobility be used strategically to help students reach their academic and career goals?

It can be challenging to anticipate a student's many paths in their postsecondary journey. One strategy I use is using data about transfer trends to support transfer students coming to Trent by building pathways that meet demand.

What are some of the best ways to support and improve experiences for transfer students in Ontario?

A willingness to evolve and adapt is important when supporting and improving the experiences of transfer students. Listening to transfer student feedback, for example, can help adapt processes that reduce barriers for incoming students. Additionally, continuing to identify new pathway opportunities for students provides more seamless transitions for more transfer students.    

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned about postsecondary student transfer?

The more transfer credits a student receives, the more likely they are to complete studies. This statistic demonstrates the importance of recognizing a transfer student’s prior learning and providing valuable and fair transfer assessments. For my practice, this knowledge demonstrates the importance of continuing to seek new pathway opportunities for transfer students to maximize transfer credit and smoothen the transfer experience.

What’s your go-to advice for transfer students?

Take the time to do your research! There are so many amazing opportunities for transfer students that it can be overwhelming. Researching opportunities, speaking with representatives, and seeking support can help students pick a path that suits their needs and maximizes their transfer credits.

What’s the best part about working with postsecondary transfer students?

Transfer students are incredibly goal-driven and unique; providing opportunities to help them carve their individual paths is both exciting and rewarding.

How does ONTransfer.ca support your work?

We enter our pathway information on ONTransfer.ca and link to our ONTransfer listings from our pathways webpage. ONTransfer.ca allows us to include tons of detail about our pathways that would be difficult to condense on our website (i.e. transfer credits received, credits left to complete, pathway advising guides, etc.), allowing students to be as informed as possible about their options at Trent.

What on the horizon for transfer students at Trent University?

Trent is currently participating in three different ONCAT Capacity Grants. These grants will support the enhancement of transfer credit processing, developing a transfer student-specific bridging program, and piloting skill development opportunities to assist transfer student transitions. These different opportunities will help to elevate Trent’s preexisting, comprehensive transfer student services.

Any other pearls of transfer wisdom you’d like to share?

Never be afraid to seek support from colleagues at other institutions! Transfer professionals are in a unique position. While we tend to collaborate with individuals across our own institutions, there tends to be a smaller team dealing with the intricacies of transfer and pathways. A benefit of the supportive ONCAT community is having access to others engaging in the same or similar work.

What’s on your current playlist?

I love so many different kinds of music. My current playlist features everything from Zach Bryan to Blink 182, to Taylor Swift, and everything in-between. Something for every mood!

What’s your professional motto?

Putting students first allows success to follow.

What’s your personal motto?

Kindness first.