By Richard Reyes, UNM-Gallup Senior Public Relations Specialist
The University of New Mexico-Gallup will host its annual College Transfer & Scholarship Fair in October to showcase the variety of higher education options available to Lobos as well as other local students and community members.
The fair is scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm Oct. 13 in the Gurley Hall Commons, located at 705 Gurley Ave. The event will provide the public with opportunities to connect with colleges and universities in one place, meet with student success advisors, learn about transfer programs, and meet with scholarship representatives.
“I hope students get a clear guide of where they want to transfer or narrow down some schools where they want to transfer and get their questions answered,” TRIO Student Support Services Program Director Kimimila Simms said. “Students can also get an idea of what it takes to transfer and when they should start the transfer process. As for scholarships, they can make sure they have the funding and can afford the transfer.”
As a two-year institution, UNM-Gallup provides several programs for students seeking certificates and associate degrees to enter the workforce directly.
In addition, UNM-Gallup serves as a springboard for students who want to start their education close to home, then transfer to another institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The College Transfer & Scholarship Fair is organized by the UNM-Gallup Student Affairs Department in partnership with McKinley Academy. McKinley Academy, which operates on the UNM-Gallup campus, is a dual enrollment high school program offered by Gallup-McKinley County Schools.
“By participating in UNM Gallup’s College Transfer & Scholarship Fair, I hope McKinley Academy students become aware of all of the amazing college and scholarship opportunities that they can take advantage of after high school,” McKinley Academy School Counselor Melissa Rodriquez said. “I also hope this helps them make informed decisions about where they want to attend college or trade programs and ways to help cover the costs of their future educational goals.”
EXPANDING HORIZONS
The College Transfer & Scholarship Fair is open to all local students and community members, particularly students who are getting ready to graduate, students who are thinking about transferring to UNM Albuquerque or another college/university, or students who are exploring other education options.
“I think it’s really important to get a bachelor’s degree or higher because it brings more job opportunities in certain fields, better employability skills, and a higher earning potential,” Simms said. “It’s also good to expand your horizons and see what else is out there in the world and gain more experience.”
UNM-Gallup Director of Admissions and Academic Advisement Dr. Michelle Lee encourages students to explore their transfer options and start thinking about their next level of education.
“Transfer fairs help to create excitement and momentum for those students who might come across a program that interests them,” she said. “We hope that they can then come back to advisement with more specific inquiries about their career or academic pathway. This helps the advisors to triangulate information to assist in a seamless transfer process.”
For students interested in attending the fair, Lee said UNM-Gallup advisors can share a game plan worksheet with them. The worksheet offers an elevator pitch and suggested questions, so students know what to say and ask when visiting a booth at the transfer fair. The worksheet is meant to help ease feelings of intimidation or overload.
For more information about the UNM-Gallup College Transfer & Scholarship Fair, contact Rodriquez at mrodriq1@gmcs.org or (505) 721-4204.
