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Judy Tavares, Interim Director, Student Mobility and Pathways at Humber Polytechnic

Transfer Champions shines a light on transfer professionals who are championing, supporting, and advancing student mobility in Ontario. Our inaugural Transfer Champion is Judy Tavaras, Interim Director, Student Mobility and Pathways at Humber Polytechnic. Judy started her career as a teacher and has served in many postsecondary roles over the past 20 years; she has been at the forefront of student mobility since 2015 and has amassed an incredible amount of knowledge that she generously shares with us.  

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

I’ve spent two decades in postsecondary education, but my journey began with a passion for teaching and assessing English as a Second Language with the Peel District School Board. My heart has always been with adult learners and newcomers to Canada, driven by my own experience as the child of immigrant parents. I knew early on that helping others find a better life through education was where I belonged.

When I transitioned to postsecondary education in 2004, I dove into recruitment and led a dynamic ambassador team. Even though I was new to the college sector, my background in education helped me quickly align with adult learning principles. I soon realized I had found my niche. Over the years, I took on various roles—relationship management coordinator, recruitment officer, manager of recruitment, and admissions officer—until the role of Manager, Student Mobility was created in 2015.

This new position was a perfect blend of my experiences in teaching, assessing, advising, and recruiting adult learners. It was a fresh and emerging field, not just at Humber but across the province, and I was thrilled to delve into how transfer students could enrich our enrolment strategies and campus culture. As a transfer student and adult learner myself, balancing work, family, and pursuing my Master’s in Postsecondary Education, I felt right at home in this role.

Why is it important to promote and enhance student mobility?  

Student mobility is the heartbeat of lifelong learning. No one acquires all their knowledge in a single place or from a single source. We gain insights through diverse experiences, people, challenges, and triumphs. Today’s students and learners are always seeking ways to enrich their education to advance their careers, boost their earnings, support their families, and stay inspired.  

This is why supporting student mobility is crucial—not just within the postsecondary sector, but also across sector councils, employers, and industries. By promoting and facilitating this movement and the recognition of prior learning acquired through all modes of life,  we empower learners to continually grow and adapt in an ever-evolving world.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?  

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is supporting and nurturing new professionals within the transfer student sector. As a member of HOTA (Head of Transfer Advisor), a CAPLA Board Member, and Co-Chair of the RPL CRALO SEM committee, I take great pride in spearheading initiatives that elevate the professionalism of transfer work throughout Ontario.

For decades, transfer professionals have been the new kids on the block, and through our committees and groups, I am honoured to contribute to the advancement of this vital field. For example, ONCAT/HOTA help develop and launch the first Transfer Advisor micro credential this summer.  By fostering development and recognizing the dedication of our amazing Student Mobility Advisors and their peers, we aim to enhance the impact and visibility of the work done across the sector.

I am committed to advancing the profession and celebrating the invaluable contributions of those who support student mobility.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?  

One of the most significant challenges we face remains our systems—both technical and academic—that we operate within. Our current systems are not designed to effectively accommodate transfer students or mature, non-traditional learners. There are numerous technical and curricular hurdles that must be addressed to seamlessly integrate a learner's formal, non-formal, and informal experiences into a full-time postsecondary credential. Until competency-based learning becomes universally adopted and institutions commit to investing in advanced assessment, transfer credit, and admissions technologies, learners will continue to encounter difficulties with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

What are some common reasons students seek to transfer?  

Many students pursue transfer to follow their true passions. A large portion of our transfer students come with prior university experience and are moving to programs that better align with their career goals or personal interests. Often, they seek improved employment opportunities, as their initial programs may have been too theoretical or broad. Additionally, factors such as proximity to home, financial constraints, and a desire for a more practical learning experience drive many students to transfer.

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

Student mobility is a crucial yet often overlooked factor in achieving student success, particularly for non-traditional and adult learners. By meeting students where they are, assessing their existing knowledge, and granting them credit for their prior learning, we not only build their self-confidence but also enhance their potential for academic and career success. This approach enables students to leverage their unique skills and experiences, enriching the program, their peers, and the institution. Students with previous postsecondary or informal learning who receive transfer credits, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), or pathway credits statistically achieve greater success (academic and graduation). Supporting this model of student mobility is essential for fostering a more inclusive and effective educational environment.  

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

Building knowledgeable and compassionate staff who understand the transfer student experience is essential. Without this support, students can struggle to navigate the complexities of postsecondary education during a time when they need the most assistance. A team well-versed in transfer literacy, supported by an institutional culture that prioritizes student mobility, is crucial for the success of transfer students. Additionally, investing in a more seamless and transparent process for transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) will better align with students' needs. Currently, many transfer processes still require students to initiate requests themselves, rather than proactively recognizing and addressing their prior learning. In an ideal scenario, institutions across Ontario would offer a more transparent and efficient system that recognizes students' achievements from the outset.

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

Wow, this is a big question. After nine years in this field, I’m still learning something new every day—from students, faculty, and my incredible Student Mobility advisors, who are the true champions of this work. What has truly stood out to me is the remarkable resilience of transfer students. They arrive with a wealth of knowledge, passion, insight, and experience that deserves more than just a mention on a transcript. It should be celebrated in our hallways, classrooms, social media, recruitment campaigns, and in the very way we structure our programs. These students are complex, amazing individuals who are eager to make a difference and just need a bit of support from us to achieve their goals. I am genuinely in awe of them and all the dedicated people who support them every day within our postsecondary communities.

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

Be patient and start early. It takes time to fully understand and articulate all the valuable skills and knowledge you’ve acquired. Take the time to thoroughly document and reflect on your experiences—whether formal, informal, or experiential. This will help you secure the maximum number of credits for your achievements and ensure that your expertise is recognized and valued.

How does ONTransfer.ca support your work?  

ONTransfer.ca stands out as an invaluable resource for both learners and professional transfer staff in Ontario. Navigating the intricate pathways and transfer credit system in the province can be challenging, but ONTransfer.ca simplifies this process, serving as a comprehensive one-stop shop for all transfer-related needs. The platform provides up-to-date information and guidance essential for effective transfer planning.

What truly sets ONTransfer.ca apart is the dedicated team behind it—the ONCAT staff. Their passion and innovation drive the platform's success, and their commitment to supporting stakeholders is evident in their prompt and helpful responses to inquiries. Their advocacy for transfer students and the broader sector is deeply appreciated, and their ongoing efforts are instrumental in improving the transfer experience for everyone involved.

What’s your professional motto?

Ask for help!

What’s your personal motto?

Ask for help!