Transfer Connections
We acknowledge that transfer students have a difference experience in building connections and locating resources on a new campus. Through our Transfer Connections program, we help transfer students at APU find the resources they need, make connections on campus, and get involved. Our goal is for transfer students to experience a smooth transition into the community, feel a sense of belonging, and make the most of their time here at APU.
Below is an overview of just a few of the resources, programs, and support services available, as well as a calendar of upcoming events. Plus, the Campus Life team is on hand to serve transfer students; don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Welcome Weekend and the Alpha Program
As transfers start their first semester at APU, these programs help them connect with each other and with current students.
At Welcome Weekend, we help new students get comfortable with the people and places of APU, setting you up for a successful university experience. Learn more at the Welcome Weekend website.
The Alpha Program is a student leadership program that help students explore the meaning of authentic Christianity. Each new student is assigned to an Alpha group that meets throughout the semester for guidance and support. Student leaders in the program learn how to build and maintain meaningful community, develop a sense of belonging, and gain an understanding of what it means to love others. Ultimately, the program prepares student leaders to serve, teach, mentor, and love a small group of incoming freshmen and transfer students during their first year at APU. You may apply to become an Alpha leader via Handshake (create your account; you may also access Handshake on home.apu.edu: My Resources > General > Student Resources > Handshake Job Platform).
Interns
Kyle Humphrey
Majors: Economics and Business Finance
Hometown: San Diego
Favorite Verse: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
Favorite Aspect of APU: The people at APU have a real respect and love for one another. Professors are invested in your learning experience and take the time to make sure each of their students is learning the material, staff members sit with students and create relationships with them, and classmates are friendly. When you are on campus, you can genuinely feel that sense of community.
Advice for Incoming Students: Be intentional about your time in college because it is such a unique experience and it goes by way too fast. Work hard when you need to work hard, have fun, and enjoy yourself.
Maya Richert
Major: Public Relations
Minor: Graphic Design
Hometown: Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Favorite Verse: Psalm 116
Favorite Aspect of APU: The people at APU have challenged and loved me so deeply and I have experienced the goodness of God in the community here. From professors to staff to student leaders and classmates, there are so many wonderful people who have made APU feel like home.
Advice for Incoming Students: Be brave in the big and small things. Be brave enough to say “yes” to a club or intramural, and be brave enough to share your story, be brave enough to get involved in something you are passionate about on campus. When I came to APU, I was surprised at how many things were out of my comfort zone, but how so many of those things were where I found my greatest friends and made my favorite memories. Remember that everyone is in the same boat as you; be brave and embrace your time here, and watch how those around you will do the same.
Alpha Coordinators
Sara Presley
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Favorite Verse: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Favorite Aspect of APU: The community! The people at APU are some of the most genuine, kind, and inspiring people I’ve ever met! It feels so good to be surrounded by people who encourage you in your faith, and walk with you through the hard times and the good times. Worship on campus is also top notch and I cannot wait to be back in chapel together, making up for lost time!
Advice for Incoming Students: Make the most of every opportunity, and don’t wish any moments away! School can be overwhelming at times, but even during the stressful times there is so much unity in being surrounded by people who are going through the same things. Pour into yourself by doing things that bring you life, so that you can better pour into those around you. There are so many ways to be involved and pursue your passions on campus, so don’t be afraid to ask around and explore those too. :)
Erika Litson
Majors: Chemistry and Honors Humanities
Hometown: Centennial, Colorado
Favorite Verse: “The light shines in the darkness; and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
Favorite Aspect of APU: My favorite aspect about APU is that it just feels like home. The sense of community and belonging is overwhelming, and I just feel so comfortable being myself at APU. Before I got to college, I felt like I was always trying to fit into a certain mold, but at APU I don’t have to try to fit in, because I am accepted just as I am.
Advice for Incoming Students: Make connections! I am an introvert, so my freshman year I missed out on getting to know some of my professors and peers. But if you even make small connections with everyone you can, you will be surprised by how many opportunities will come your way. From internships, research, and jobs to fun, spontaneous adventures with classmates, making connections will help you make the most out of your college experience.
Nanette Steenstra
Majors: Applied Mathematics and Spanish
Hometown: San Diego
Favorite Verse: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:13-14
Favorite Aspect of APU: My favorite thing about APU is the Christ-centered community that is created there. The students and the professors so clearly put God first—it’s obvious in the way they live their lives and in the way they approach relationship. The family of God feels so real and so tangible at APU.
Advice for Incoming Students: You’re not alone! Coming into a new space with people you don’t know can be so scary, but you get to do it alongside others who are going through the same thing and might be experiencing some of the same feelings, fears, or excitements that you are. There are also so many people who have already experienced this transition and remember those feelings. Don’t be scared to dive into the community and allow yourself to be embraced and supported by the people around you!
Matthew Hintzoglou
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Public Relations
Hometown: Clayton, California
Favorite Verse: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:37-39
Favorite Aspect of APU: I love the community and how faith is practically brought into the classroom!
Advice for Incoming Students: Get involved! Don’t be afraid to join a club, apply for student leadership positions, or get involved in other organizations on campus to find community.
Emily Chew
Major: Nursing
Hometown: La Crescenta, California
Favorite Verse: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Favorite Aspect of APU: I LOVE the people and the welcoming community that is APU! APU is rooted in Christ’s love for us, and it is a wonderful community built on God First. The kind, caring, and loving atmosphere and upbeat energy of APU truly makes this place feel like home. APU is a family that guides you along your journey toward living out your calling from God, growing in your faith and passions, and becoming who you are called to be. I just love the family feel of APU that truly welcomes you in with open arms and spreads God’s unconditional love.
Advice for Incoming Students: Enjoy every moment and allow yourself to take breaks and have fun! Although it’s easy to get caught up in schoolwork and the hustle and bustle of life, take time to slow down and prioritize rest. Get involved, seek opportunities to grow, and truly engage in this wonderful community. Know that God has called you here for a reason and He is standing by your side every step of the way. Trust the journey and trust God because He has some incredible things in store for you. And always stay true to yourself and follow your heart. You are beautiful and oh so loved! Cheering for you!
Ashley Quilantip
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Los Angeles
Favorite Verse: “But He said to me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me!” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Favorite Aspect of APU: The community and atmosphere!
Advice for Incoming Students: Never be afraid or hesitate to be intentional and as genuine as possible—with yourself, others, and most of all with serving Christ!
Matthew Campos
Majors: Psychology and Sociology
Hometown: San Diego
Favorite Verse: “You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” – Romans 8:9-11
Favorite Aspect of APU: The people, community, and mentorship! People at APU are genuinely interested in who you are, how you are doing, and where you are going. At every step of your journey there is someone to cheer you on and speak life.
Advice for Incoming Students: Serve, serve, serve. There is no better way to build community than to serve alongside your peers. The more we serve, the better we are able to understand the heart of our Creator.
Amina Bolden
Major: Commercial Music
Hometown: Downey, California
Favorite Verse: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” – Ephesians 1:3-6
Favorite Aspect of APU: My favorite aspect of APU is definitely the people, because I have had amazing people walk alongside me and help me grow in my relationship with the Lord and become a better student.
Advice for Incoming Students: Enjoy the time you spend at APU because it will fly by so quickly. Welcome mistakes and failures as moments to learn and grow instead of a roadblock. And most of all, cling to the Lord, read His Word, and seek His guidance through your college journey.
Keren Ruiz
Major: Social Work
Hometown: Baldwin Park, California
Favorite Verse: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Favorite Aspect of APU: My favorite aspect of APU is the community. There are so many opportunities to explore at APU, and all of these opportunities lead to great friendships, leadership, service, and definitely a stronger faith.
Advice for Incoming Students: Hello, friends! You are starting a new journey, and you may have a rollercoaster of emotions right now. Be patient with yourself, lean on God, and try new things. Go to office hours, tutoring, clubs, apply to leadership positions, and go to events on campus. Take advantage of every opportunity APU offers you. And if you fail at something, see it as an opportunity to grow and start again. I believe in you! Most importantly, take each day step by step, and know that God has your back! Trust in God, and enjoy your time here at APU. (: Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the Lord, “‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Camryn Parrini
Major: Acting for the Stage and Screen
Minor: Public Relations
Hometown: Chino, California
Favorite Verse: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Favorite Aspect of APU: My favorite part of APU is, by far, the community! The people and faculty who make up the campus are truly the heart and soul of APU. There are so many laughs, sweet memories, and friends that I will cherish forever because of the community built on campus. It really is a group of individuals that supports, loves, invites, and cares for you all while pointing you to Christ (a pretty sweet combo if you ask me!).
Advice for Incoming Students: Be willing and open-minded to the plan God has for you! There is no perfect “college experience,” so walk into APU with no expectations, except a heart that is ready to step into this new and exciting chapter. Most importantly, stay true to yourself and take time to acknowledge your blessings each day. APU is a really special place; don’t be afraid to fully embrace it!
Transfer-Specific Events
A variety of events are held each semester through a partnership between the Office of Campus Life and the Academic Success Center that help support transfer students’ unique needs. To stay up to date on these campus-wide events, follow us on Instagram at @apucampuslife.
Academic Resources
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center is composed of several areas committed to partnering with students, faculty, and staff to support the academic success of Azusa Pacific students:
- Academic Advising: Provides academic coaching and support.
- TRIO Student Support Services: A student support program that provides services for first-generation students, those from low-income families, and those with disabilities requiring learning accommodations.
- TRIO Upward Bound: Helps potential first-generation students at Azusa High School identify their strengths, explore their vocational calling, and thrive academically.
- First-Year Seminar: This 3-unit course introduces students to strategies for academic success and fosters a sense of belonging in the university community.
- Accessibility Services: Provides services and accommodations for students with disabilities or accessibility challenges.
- Testing Services: Offers placement assessments, credit-by-examination tests, and exam proctoring services.
- Tutoring Center: Individual and group tutoring is available to all APU students at no additional cost.
Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity
The Student Center for Reconciliation and Diversity promotes student development through coordinating cultural events, advising ethnic student organizations, and providing information on scholarships. It is also home to the GEN1 Scholars Program, which offers APU’s first-generation students resources and opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth.
Undergraduate Enrollment Services Center
APU’s Undergraduate Enrollment Services Center provides enrollment and financial services information and resources. Drop by or contact them for help with class registration, graduation materials, transcripts, academic forms, financial aid, and tuition questions.
Important Undergraduate Enrollment Services Center Resources for Transfers:
- Associate Degree Transfer Plan: A guaranteed pathway for transferring to APU. With the ADT option, our goal is to help make the process smoother for you so you can finish your degree while benefiting from all that an APU education offers.
- Transferology: Transferology is a great online tool where a student can set up an account in order to see how classes transfer into APU from outside institutions. This includes 2-year, 4-year, local, and out-of-state institutions.
- Academic Policies: This resources provides some important information about being a student at APU from grading policies to course number information.
- Graduation Tips: Taking into account that a transfer student's time at APU can be condensed, it is important to be aware of the graduation process so students can ensure degree completion in time for commencement.
Transfer Life Crew: This is a volunteer leadership opportunity for transfer students to participate in. The TLC exists to promote community, involvement, and belonging by providing transfer students with engaging events and Team Transfer gatherings.