The Center for Transfer Access at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is here to support students to reach their academic and career goals through one of nine Maryland universities that offer programs at USG. Whether you're just starting at a community college, currently exploring transfer options, looking to return to school, or planning to pursue a graduate degree, we're here to guide you. Our team provides personalized support for both prospective undergraduate and graduate students, helping you navigate the transfer process, connect with academic programs, and take the right steps toward your educational and career goals.

At USG, Together We Make It Happen by connecting students to resources, people, and opportunities that remove barriers and build bridges to academic and professional success.


Explore Your Transfer Pathway

Planning to transfer to USG? The USG Transfer Pathway was created to simplify the process and help you succeed every step of the way. By completing three key steps — transfer coaching, pre-transfer academic advising, and attending a Transfer Express session — you can also qualify for the new Transfer Pathway Scholarship, designed to support affordability and access.

Learn More


Discover Your Path with the DiscoverU Tool

Utilize our DiscoverU Tool to find majors and in-demand careers based on your interests!

  • Prospective Undergraduate Students: Select "Match My Interests" to get matched to bachelors degree programs at USG and careers that align with your strengths, interests, and values.
  • Current Students: Use the “Careers” tab to explore real-time job and internship opportunities in your field, and the “Résumé Builder” to identify key skills and experiences to add to your résumé.
  • Prospective Graduate Students: Take the “Match My Interests” assessment to connect your professional goals and interests to graduate programs offered at USG, and explore how advancing your education can lead to new career opportunities.

Use the Tool


What We Offer

The Center for Transfer Access helps students at any stage of their college journey:

  • Transfer Planning & Coaching
    • One-on-one support to help you understand the transfer process and explore your programs of interest
  • Events & Workshops
    • Transfer Express Sessions, Open Houses, Campus Tours, Information Sessions, & more
  • Early Engagement Opportunities
    • Guidance for dual enrollment, early college, or high school students exploring long-term transfer plans
    • Specialized Pathway Support for MCPS-MC-USG Pathway Programs
  • Partnerships with Regional Education Partners and Organizations
    • Are you part of a community-based organization, nonprofit, or school counseling team? We'd love to partner with you to help your students explore their academic and career pathways at USG. We offer campus tours, customized information sessions, and interactive workshops designed to meet the needs of your group.
    • To schedule a visit or learn more about how we can support your students, please email us at shadygrove@umd.edu.

Get Connected

Meet The Staff

Sara Wells

Sara Wells
Director 
swells12@umd.edu
Primary Resource for
- Overall Center Administration
- Strategic Partnerships
- Engineering & Technology Industry Liaison

 

 

Kelly Fey Bolender

Kelly Fey Bolender
Assistant Director 
kfey@umd.edu
Primary Resource for
- High School Learners & Specialized Pathways
- Community Partnerships
- Data & Evaluation

- Public Service Industry Liaison

 

Mary Kate Luft

Mary Kate Luft
Manager
mluft@umd.edu
Primary Resource for
- Community College and Adult Learners
- Transfer Coaching
- USG Student Ambassador Program
- Health & Life Sciences Industry Liaison

 

 

Sandra AmayaSandra Amaya
Pathway Coordinator
samaya1@umd.edu
Primary Resource for
- Early Learner Pathway Support (K-12)
- Business Enterprise Industry Liaison

 

 

 

Michelin Jones VaughnMichelin Jones Vaughn
Pathway Coordinator
mvaughn1@umd.edu
Primary Resource for
- College Access Program Pathway Support
- Health & Life Sciences Industry Liaison

 

 

 

Hanan BrownHanan Brown
Longview & HIF Coordinator
hsinnokr@umd.edu
Primary Resource for
- HIF Scholars
- Longview Scholars

For University Partners and Departments at USG

The Center for Transfer Access supports recruitment for our partner programs and other departments at USG. Partner universities and USG departments can submit a request for recruitment and transfer access support below. Requests submitted are typically in support of an event.
Please allow at least two weeks turnaround for all requests.

Recruitment Request Form