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Inside USF’s Playbook for Transfer Student Success: A Conversation with Martin Smith – TransferTalk Ep. 14

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TransferTalk Episode 14 Martin Smith, University of South Florida

Building a Transfer-Forward Strategy That Actually Works

In Episode 14 of Transfer Talk, host Jay Fedje is joined by Martin Smith, a veteran enrollment strategist and consultant currently leading student success efforts at the University of South Florida (USF). The conversation reveals how USF is actively rethinking the way large public institutions approach transfer enrollment, student persistence, and degree completion—especially for non-traditional students.

“We do big, but we do it in a small way,” Martin says, describing how USF delivers a high-touch experience for transfer students in a system of 50,000+ students.

From One-Size-Fits-All to Tailored Transfer Paths

When Martin arrived at USF, he noticed a glaring problem: the institution was recruiting freshmen and transfer students the same way. That changed fast. Under his leadership, USF split its recruitment operations into two tracks—one for first-time-in-college (FTIC) students and one dedicated entirely to transfers. Each with their own success teams, trained to understand the nuances of transfer support.

This restructuring aligns with one of the core truths DegreeSight emphasizes: Being Transfer-Friendly Is a Strategy—Not a Checkbox.

Transfers Aren’t One Cohort—They’re Three

USF’s data revealed important distinctions between different kinds of transfers:

  • Lower-level transfers (12–29 credits)

  • Mid-level transfers (30–59 credits)

  • Upper-level transfers (60+ credits or associate degree holders)

By categorizing these groups more precisely, USF is able to identify risk earlier, provide targeted support, and improve degree attainment outcomes. Martin is particularly focused on closing the gap for mid- and lower-level transfers, who often face the most barriers.

This underscores another key DegreeSight pillar: Bridge the Gap Between Enrollment and the Registrar.

Creating a Culture of Completion

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when Martin discusses the 13 success metrics USF uses to evaluate transfer outcomes—not just through to graduation, but beyond it. These include:

  • Post-graduation job placement

  • Earnings in field of study

  • Graduate school enrollment

  • Persistence rates across all levels

This outcomes-first approach is what makes USF not only transfer-friendly, but transfer-forward. Martin also highlights the role of campus community, housing proximity, and student affinity (via athletics and engagement) in boosting persistence.

“Students are more likely to succeed when they love the place they’re at,” he adds.

A Model for the Modern Era

The episode closes with Martin’s vision for what’s next: expanding access to certificates, micro-credentials, and AI-focused workforce readiness—especially for adult learners. He’s thinking beyond the four-year degree and imagining flexible education models that work for students already in the workforce.

This is a direction DegreeSight fully supports, especially through smarter credit evaluation, articulation automation, and transfer visibility tools that help institutions respond to evolving student needs.

Listen Now

This episode is a must-hear for enrollment strategists, academic innovators, and anyone exploring how higher ed must evolve to meet the demands of today’s workforce.

👉 Listen to Episode 14 of TransferTalk

 

Want to Transform Your Transfer Credit System?

Want to build a transfer strategy that works—for students and your institution?

👉 Schedule a consultation with DegreeSight to design a high-conversion, student-centered approach that transforms your transfer outcomes.

 

Want to talk transfer strategy? We’d love to connect at
www.linkedin.com/company/degreesight

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