The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will host two “Transfer With Pride” events this month at partner institutions across the state, offering prospective transfer students information about admissions, scholarships and credit transfers while providing free meals and on-site support.

 UAFS leaders will visit the University of Arkansas - Pulaski Technical College on March 10 and the University of Arkansas Cossatot on March 17. At both events, all attending students will receive a scholarship, a free lunch, and the opportunity to explore academic pathways and financial aid options available to future UAFS Lions.

The March 10 event at UA-PTC will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. across two campuses in central Arkansas. 

UAFS staff will be available from 9-10:30 a.m. at the South Campus, where pastries and coffee will be served in the Transportation Technology Center Corridor. 

Representatives will then be on the Main Campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with lunch served in the Campus Center Building Grand Hall.

Students interested in attending the March 10 event may register at https://lions.uafs.edu/register/UAPTC.

The March 17 Transfer With Pride event at UA Cossatot will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the De Queen Campus. Lunch will be provided, and students will have the opportunity to meet with UAFS representatives to discuss admissions requirements, transferable credits, academic programs, and financial aid options.

Students interested in attending the UA Cossatot event may register at https://lions.uafs.edu/register/UACossatot.

The events are part of the Transfer With Pride road show series, which brings university staff, advisors, and academic leaders to regional community colleges to support students pursuing bachelor’s degrees and build deeper relationships with community colleges.

In 2025, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services reported that nearly a quarter of Arkansans have completed some college but have not earned a degree, with just one in three Arkansans holding a college degree at any level. 

Brooke Magallanes, associate vice chancellor for enrollment and director of admissions, said the university has expanded initiatives aimed at easing the transfer process.

“By creating new programs like our Transfer with Pride road show series, implementing the Transfer Smart Choice Tuition Waiver, and expanding support services through our transfer admissions advisor, we are supporting the needs of our community,” Magallanes said. “Students can take advantage of these programs to confidently access an affordable, exceptional education.”

The university’s Smart Choice Tuition Waiver, a financial aid program designed to make transferring more affordable, launched in 2024. The waiver provides eligible transfer students with up to $9,000 in tuition discounts, applying a $100 discount per credit hour for up to 90 institutional credit hours or until degree completion, whichever comes first. To qualify, students must transfer at least 30 earned credit hours and meet UAFS admission standards.