UGA’s new Transfer Launch Seminar (TRLS 3001) is a one-credit, small-group seminar designed to support undergraduate transfer students in their first semester at UGA. These seminars 
provide undergraduate transfer students with the opportunity to build meaningful connections with faculty right away as they explore academic topics in a small class environment. Students will also be introduced to university mission, policies, and procedures, and will have the opportunity to explore the range of academic culture, events, and services available at the University.
The seminar is further tailored to the unique needs of undergraduate transfer students, allowing them to deepen their academic skills, engage in targeted study of a disciplinary topic, and foster connections that promote their academic and post-graduate success. Because transfer students have already made progress on their degree path before enrolling at UGA, they will be encouraged to select seminar topics that complement their selected program of study. Through TRLS 3001, transfer students will engage with fellow transfer students who share similar academic interests. Additionally, students will learn about opportunities related to their majors such as internships, career preparation, activities, and experiential learning opportunities.
Fall 2025 TRLS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
TRLS Seminar Content:
TRLS 3001 course section topics are related to the faculty member’s discipline area. In addition, the TRLS seminar is aimed at supporting transfer student success by providing:
- Academic and professional success strategies (e.g., study and time management strategies, note-taking and test preparation skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, and developing a growth mindset),
- Information about UGA resources that support academic success and timely progress to degrees (e.g., tutoring, Academic Coaching, Academic Advising, UGA Libraries and tech lending, Writing Center, DegreeWorks, Career Center),
- Information about student well-being, and
- Information about UGA policies and procedures
TRLS Program Goals
Although the content of each seminar is unique to each section, faculty address these goals of the TRLS seminar program:
- Introduce transfer students to the importance of learning and academics so that they are engaged in the academic culture of the University.
- Provide transfer students with the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with a faculty member in the discipline to encourage positive and sustained student-faculty interactions.
- Introduce transfer students to the academic support services available to help them navigate their academic journey and future career paths successfully.
- Familiarize transfer students with the university’s instruction, research, public service, and international missions, and how these elements integrate with their educational experience, both inside and outside the classroom.
TRLS Campus Events
To encourage active participation in and appreciation for the broader mission of the University, students will be required to attend three events that highlight the academic culture of university, including musical performances, films, academic lectures, presentations by visiting speakers, and other events suggested by the faculty who teach TRLS 3001. In addition, students may participate in service to the community through VolunteerUGA as one event.
For Faculty
Submitting a TRLS Seminar Proposal
Deadline to submit a TRLS Seminar Proposal to be considered for spring 2026: TBD
Faculty from across disciplines are invited to propose a section of TRLS 3001 that aligns with their expertise while helping transfer students build academic connections and explore the broader university mission.
- Any full-time faculty member (e.g., non-tenure track, tenured, tenure-track, clinical, instructor, lecturer) may apply.
- The seminar topic should relate to your discipline area and be designed to foster meaningful engagement with transfer students.
- To support transfer student success, the TRLS program will provide curricular materials including academic and professional success strategies, information about UGA resources that support academic success and timely progress to degrees, student well-being, and information about UGA policies and procedures. Faculty may use these materials in class or encourage students to explore them on their own time.
Seminar Proposal Submission
When submitting your proposal, please prepare the following:
- A compelling title that will intrigue transfer students.
- A short seminar description (150 words max) that connects the seminar topic to your research or discipline. Use a conversational tone (“you” instead of “the student”) to make it more engaging.
- A brief biography (75 words max), written in the first person. Students appreciate learning more than just your academic credentials—consider sharing unique experiences that shaped your academic journey.
If your seminar proposal is approved, you will be notified and receive instructions on scheduling a classroom and submitting the compensation form.
Compensation for Teaching a TRLS Seminar
Faculty will receive a $3,500 as either additional income or research/scholarly support for teaching a TRLS seminar. To receive this compensation, faculty must submit this form. The completed form is due to the TRLS Office in May for fall semesters and October for spring semesters. Once the completed form is submitted and processed, changing the type of funds (Extra Compensation or Scholarly Support) will not be allowed.
If you have any questions, contact the TRLS team at [email protected].
