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


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
  • 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


ACES & STEM ReadyPROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
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 Amaya

 

Sandra Amaya

Pathway Coordinator

samaya1@umd.edu

 

Primary Resource for

  • Early Learner Pathway Support (K-12)
  • Business Enterprise Industry Liaison 
Michelin Jones Vaughn

 

Michelin Jones Vaughn

Pathway Coordinator

mvaughn1@umd.edu

 

Primary Resource for

  • College Access Program Pathway Support
  • Health & Life Sciences Industry Liaison 
Hanan Brown

 

Hanan 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