2026 Transfer Pathways Summit

A woman at a table having a discussion with four other adults. They are in Alumni Hall at last year's transfer pathways summit

Friday, June 5, 2026
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET

Alumni Hall
4227 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Register here

Join us for the third-annual Transfer Pathways Summit at the School of Education

Our 2026 theme is “Maximizing Transfer Value: Fueling Student Mobility and Success.”

We’re bringing together higher education professionals, researchers, and students from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states to focus on what matters—building smoother, smarter, more student‑centered transfer pathways.

Hosted by the Pitt School of Education, the Office of the Provost, and the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, this event is your chance to learn, connect, and take action that directly improves the transfer experience at your institution.

A man smiling as he holds a microphone in front of a blurred out audience behind him

Why Attend?

Gain actionable insights through:

  • Keynote speaker who is one of the world’s preeminent experts
  • Panel discussion of community college presidents and leaders
  • Breakout sessions on key trends and issues
  • Student panel discussion about transfer experiences
  • Complimentary breakfast and lunch
  • Networking hour with colleagues over mocktails

 

JUMP TO SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

 

 

What Will You Learn?


Build More Transfer‑Friendly Practices
Discover strategies that make the transfer process clearer, faster, and less stressful for students moving into four‑year institutions.

Join Real Conversations That Move the Needle
Engage with colleagues in lively discussions on the latest trends, what’s working, and what still needs to change in the transfer landscape.

Understand What Transfer Students Actually Face
Hear firsthand about the challenges community college students encounter—from navigating credit evaluations to finding a sense of belonging.

Walk Away With Actionable Ideas
Gain practical insights from inspiring keynote speakers and walk back to campus with concrete steps you can implement right away.

Who Will Be There?

All are welcome:

  • Community college leaders and practitioners
  • Community college students
  • College faculty focused on study of higher education systems
  • Academic advisors
  • Admissions staff
  • Graduate students
  • And more

 

view past attendees

Therese Grimes speaking at the podium
A girl smiling at a table during the Transfer Pathways summit
A group posing together for a picture, a mix of men and women, at the Transfer Pathways Summit
A wide angle shot showing the entire ballroom with a packed house
A man and woman posing for a picture together at the Transfer Pathways Summit
A man and woman working together to give a presentation at the Transfer Pathways SUmmit
A man holding a microphone speaking at the Transfer Pathways Summit
People getting food at the buffet table at the Transfer Pathways Summit

Schedule at a Glance

Friday, June 5, 2026
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET
Alumni Hall [view map]

TIME ACTIVITY LOCATION
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast & Check-In Connolly Ballroom
8:45 – 9:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks Connolly Ballroom
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Transfer Student Panel Connolly Ballroom
10:00 -10:15 a.m. Break Connolly Ballroom
10:15 – 11:45 a.m. Keynote Speaker
Dr. Xueli Wang		 Connolly Ballroom
12:00 – 12:45 p.m. Lunch and President’s Panel Connolly Ballroom
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Concurrent Breakout Sessions To Be Announced
2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Closing Remarks Connolly Ballroom
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Networking and Mocktail Hour Connolly Ballroom

 

Register here

Keynote Speaker

🕙 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Alumni Hall Connolly Ballroom

Xueli Wang standing in a hallway

Dr. Xueli Wang, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Barbara and Glenn Thompson Professor in Educational Leadership
Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

Dr. Wang teaches graduate courses on community colleges, mixed methods research, and assessment in higher education. With a focus on community colleges and postsecondary STEM education, her program of research examines educational practices, structures, and policies that promote students’ holistic well-being and equitable access, experiences, and outcomes.

With expertise in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodological approaches, Dr. Wang’s work spans a range of specific topics, including students’ success and mental health, transfer trajectories, faculty development, teaching and learning, and educational change and innovation. She has secured over $10 million in research funding and frequently collaborates with community colleges to implement holistic support strategies that foster student success.

View bio page

Frequently Asked Questions

The Transfer Pathways Summit is free to all participants. Advance registration is requested to help with planning purposes.

Paid parking is available at the University’s Solider & Sailors Garage at 4390 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh PA, 15213.  The garage is located a block away from the venue.

Additional paid parking is available on metered spaces on Fifth Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Three hotels are located within walking distance to the venue:

The Transfer Pathway Summit will provide the following food options:

  • Complimentary continental breakfast
  • Catered lunch
  • Coffee, tea, and water throughout the day

The Transfer Pathways Summit was created by Dr. Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, Professor and Renée and Richard Goldman Dean of the Pitt School of Education. It  is a partnership among the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, Office of the Provost, and Pitt Admissions.

Visitors to the University of Pittsburgh participating in the summit have two options for guest Wi-Fi access:

  • Eduroam Guest Wi-Fi is the best option for visitors from UPMC and other Eduroam-affiliated institutions. No time limits or additional device configuration required.
  • Pitt Guest Wi-Fi (Anyroam) provides access for alumni, parents, and others who do not have an Eduroam affiliation for up to one year. One-time device configuration is required after you arrive on campus.

COMPARE GUEST WI-FI OPTIONS

Nearly 200 people registered for the 2025 Transfer Pathways Summit.   Participants included:

  • Representatives from 14 community colleges in Pennsylvania and West Virginia
  • Members of Pitt’s admissions office, Office of the Provost, and academic schools across the university
  • College presidents, deans, admissions officers, academic advisors, and student service officers

About the Venue

Alumni Hall building exterior showcasing its sandstone architecture

Located in heart of Pitt’s campus, Alumni Hall is home to the Pitt Alumni Association, the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, and other offices/facilities.

Our event will be held in the 500-seat Connolly Ballroom on the first floor.

DIRECTIONS
4227 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
View Map

PARKING
Paid parking is available nearby in the Soldiers & Sailors garage, located two blocks away from Alumni Hall.  The address is 4390 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Additionally, on-street parking is available on Fifth Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Traveling from Out of Town?

Multiple hotels are located a short walk from the event venue:

Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center (0.1 miles away)
100 Lytton Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

The Oaklander Hotel, Autograph Collection (0.1 miles away)
5130 Bigelow Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh University Place (0.6 miles away)
3454 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Residence Inn by Marriott Pittsburgh Oakland/University Place (0.7 miles away)
3341 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Feedback from Past Transfer Summit Attendees

97%

Say the summit is well-organized

93%

Are likely to attend again in the future

92%

Are likely to recommend to a colleague/friend

icon of the cathedral of learning
"I felt the speakers were great, and enjoyable to listen to. I also enjoyed the participation from community colleges around the state, and liked to see not just the leadership, but the advisors and recruitment specialists there."
2025 Participant
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"The summit was a great experience with the opportunity to hear from experts in the field and to add to our resource toolkits."
2025 Participant
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"I learned more about the transfer process and how well students should be prepared to transfer (academically, socially, and environmentally.)"
2025 Participant
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"I enjoyed the strength-based focus, and the clear messaging surrounding the onus of doing better being on the universities, not the students. The student panel was AMAZING!"
2025 Participant

Past Attendees

Community Colleges

  • Butler County Community College
  • Delaware County Community College
  • Community College of Allegheny County
  • Community College of Beaver County
  • Community College of Philadelphia
  • Erie County Community College
  • Harrisburg Area Community College
  • Lehigh Carbon Community College
  • Montgomery County Community College
  • Northern Pennsylvania Regional College
  • Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
  • Westmoreland County Community College
  • West Virginia Northern Community College

Pitt Schools and Departments

  • School of Education
  • School of Business
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
  • School of Public and International Affairs
  • College of General Studies
  • School of Pharmacy
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Computing and Information
  • School of Social Work
  • Frederick Honors College
  • Pitt Greensburg
  • Office of Child Development
  • Center for Urban Education
  • Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
  • Office of the Provost
  • Educational Outreach Center
  • College in High School

Have A Question?

We’d love to hear from you. Send us an email and we’ll be back in touch shortly.

Register Here

There is no cost and all are welcome

 

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