Transferring between colleges is often described like navigating a “maze” by students. At SUNY, we’re committed to reshaping that perception, and will strive to make transfer feel less like an obstacle course and more like a guided, supportive journey.

Our goal is to establish a shared, student-centered framework that outlines the key steps in the transfer process. By creating a common framework we can promote transparency and consistency across campuses, and we can ensure students receive clear, reliable information no matter where they begin, or where they’re headed.

Even as each SUNY campus has its own systems, resources, and procedures, there is power in this unified approach. The framework outlined here provides a common foundation that campuses can adapt to fit their local context, ensuring students have a clear understanding of what to expect at every stage of their journey. It is intended to serve as a common way of communicating, versus indicating new policy or procedure. It serves as a communication tool designed to support students, guide their planning, and reinforce that transfer is not only possible, but a vital part of SUNY’s commitment to student success.

With meaningful collaboration, SUNY can implement a flexible, student-facing framework of common transfer steps that is both adaptable and consistent. This approach reinforces that transfer is not only possible, but a realistic and achievable goal for all students.

These foundational elements define the framework’s core goals, each aligned with key milestones in a student’s academic journey.

Explore

Encouraging students to explore academic programs and SUNY Transfer Paths early in their college journey helps them make informed decisions about their educational goals. When students identify their intended major or area of interest sooner, they are more likely to follow an efficient path to degree completion, minimizing excess credits and avoiding delays in graduating. The SUNY Transfer Paths are one key tool that can further support this process by clarifying how coursework aligns with specific majors across campuses, helping students connect their current studies with future opportunities.

Plan

Encouraging students to connect with advisors and faculty mentors early to create a thoughtful academic plan is essential to a successful transfer experience. Advisors play a critical role in helping students align their coursework with their transfer goals, ensuring that credits apply toward their intended bachelor’s degree and reducing time to completion. Additionally, fostering early exploration of SUNY campuses helps students make informed decisions and build connections that ease the transition, ultimately leading to stronger outcomes and a more seamless transfer process.

Apply

Steps in this area are designed to ensure students are well-prepared and supported as they finalize their transfer. Applying to their chosen SUNY campus, submitting transcripts, and completing the FAFSA in a timely way will help avoid delays and ensure financial aid is in place. Connecting with representatives at the intended campus fosters a sense of belonging and provides valuable insights into academic and campus life. Finally, reviewing transfer credit evaluations with an advisor ensures students understand how their credits apply and empowers them to make informed decisions, including how to address any discrepancies.

Enroll

These steps help students successfully transition to their new campus and begin their next academic chapter with confidence. Committing to a campus, registering for courses, and attending orientation are critical for building a sense of belonging and ensuring students are academically and socially prepared. Submitting final transcripts ensures accurate credit evaluation and a smooth continuation of their academic progress. Together, these actions support a seamless handoff from one institution to the next.

Support Materials

Access materials, documents and ways to communicate and receive added training.

Documents and Templates

Download Documents

• Common Framework Outline
  Download a highly visual outline of the framework, which the specific steps recommended within each respoective phase of the timeline (Explore, Plan, Apply, Enroll). Each step aligns with a key phase in a student’s academic journey—from early exploration and planning to final enrollment and transition. The framework emphasizes proactive advising, informed decision-making, and timely action, helping students stay on track, minimize credit loss, and feel confident in their transfer path.
  
  
• Common Framework Phamplet
  A simple phamplet that can be used to share information about transfer steps at a high level.

Templates for Your Use

• Canva Common Framework Outline Template
  If you use Canva to create or edit documents, you can link to an editable template here. Campuses are welcome to adopt and adapt this template as needed, and are encouraged to incorporate their own branding and colors.
  
  
• Canva Common Framework Phamplet Template
  Campuses are welcome to adopt and adapt this template as needed, and are encouraged to incorporate their own branding and colors.

Training and Outreach

• View the November 2025 Launch training session and register online.
• Access the learning modules for upcoming advanced training sessions.
• Common Steps
• See All Training Sessions