Prospective Transfer Student Advising

We have designed Transfer Equivalency Guides by Major tools which indicate exactly what classes you can take through your local community college that will be accepted in transfer towards your desired major here at UHCL. 

Transferring courses from another university or a community college outside of Texas is not as seamless as transferring courses from a Texas community college. However, with the expertise and support of our transfer advising team, we will make the most of your credits!  Your first step is to complete the Transfer Credit Estimator (TCE) tool to see how your classes and credits will apply toward your desired major at UHCL. Once completed, follow the steps below to connect with a transfer advisor.   

Due to the nature of international credit, we are unable to evaluate credit from international institutions through the Transfer Credit Estimator at this time.  International credit must be evaluated through the formal evaluation process outlined under # 3 on the Steps to Apply on the International Admissions page. 

Please complete the MyMajors Quiz, and then visit our Exploring Majors website to schedule an appointment with the Exploring Majors advisor. 

1. Complete the online Transfer Credit Estimator (TCE) and set up your profile.
2. E-mail the following information to Transfer@uhcl.edu:
   1. A PDF copy of your unofficial transcript(s) (If you have attended more than one college, please provide an unofficial transcript from each college or university)
   2. Indicate what degree program you are most interested in pursuing at UHCL, and what your career goals are.
   3. Any specific questions about your TCE results

We will respond by email to help guide you toward both your preferred degree program and your long-term goals.

1. Complete the online Transfer Credit Estimator (TCE) and set up your profile.
2. Schedule a Zoom or in-person appointment with the transfer advisor of your choice (see appointment table above), or for the day and time of your choice. If you choose an in-person appointment, we will email you navigation and parking instructions prior to your appointment.
3. E-mail a PDF copy of your unofficial transcript(s) to Transfer@uhcl.edu prior to your appointment and indicate your appointment date and time in the e-mail so we can share with your advisor. (If you have attended more than one college, please provide an unofficial transcript from each college or university)

Background: I started at UHCL in March 2023, and prior to my current role, I worked at the University of Northern Iowa, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Houston. I have worked in several roles in higher education, from teaching history-related Global Studies courses to working in Financial Aid, Admissions, the Multi-Cultural Center, and a TRIO program called Student Support Services. I strongly believe in gaining cross-cultural skills while in college through study abroad and engaging with those from other countries.  
 
Why I Chose to be an Advisor: I was a non-traditional transfer student who had difficulty adapting to college straight out of high school but benefited from advisors and mentors who encouraged me through difficult times. The help I received from my advisors played a significant role in why I decided on a career as an advisor. I believe every student should utilize their advisors and seek out mentors. The most exciting aspect of being an advisor is to be a part of the process when a student decides nothing will stop them from accomplishing their goals.  
 
Favorite Food: Smoothies and vegetarian Thai red curry. 
 
Hobbies: Outside of work, I love spending time with my children and following Chicago and Houston sports. I am a huge hip-hop fan; Jay-Z is my favorite artist, and I am an avid chess player. 

Fun Fact: I have been to Africa three times!

Background: I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in the St. Louis Metro East Area on the other side of the Mississippi River in Southwestern Illinois.  I attended Louisiana State University and graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.  

Why I Chose to be an Advisor:  I didn’t choose advising—it chose me!  When I started at university I selected my major based on my passion, but I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life, or what I wanted to do for a career after graduating.  I was first introduced to the field of academic advising when I accepted a position as Customer Service Representative at the Transfer Advising Office at UHCL.  After a few years in that role, I realized that Transfer Advising was my passion and talent—so now instead of feeling lost, I have discovered my true calling in guiding transfer students and helping them discern their academic pathways.

Favorite Food: My favorite foods are Italian, Thai, and Indian.  I also love ramen and udon.  I am obsessed with pasta and noodles of all kinds!

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies include games (especially card games, strategy games, party games, and Magic the Gathering); live music (especially electronic music); listening to true crime and literary analysis podcasts; watching period dramas; and hanging out with my son and my two rescue dalmatians.

Fun Fact: I have a passion for 19th century literature, especially English novels and tragic novels.  I also love Fantasy literature and am obsessed with A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin and his related writings, as well as the Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon TV shows.

Background:  I moved to Houston when I was three years old with my parents and brother, and was raised in Southwest Houston. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from UH-Downtown in 1999.

Why I Chose to be an Advisor:  It was by accident that I found this career. I was volunteering with University Advising at UHD during Christmas break and they offered me a job when the next semester started.  I became one of the first Peer Advisors at UHD and when I graduated, they offered me a full-time job in Distance Education Advising and here I am!

Favorite Food:  I love Italian food and could eat it all the time but my absolute favorite is a good Butter Chicken and Naan (Indian Food).

Hobbies:  I like to read, bake, and travel.

Fun Fact: I love musicals (live ones and movies).

I grew up in a rural area in Southeastern Oklahoma on a 280-acre horse ranch and farm. I did not watch television or even own a radio growing up, and the closest store was 15 miles away. So I was very sheltered from the outside world and I had no concept about what to expect or how to prepare for college. I spent the majority of my free time outside feeding, training our animals, and maintaining our property. I could break a horse to ride, train show lambs, administer shots, build a fence, but sitting down and reading was not my preference or my strength. "College" and "Kristi" were never mentioned in the same sentence until my senior year in high school which was when I was told I would be attending Oklahoma State University in August which was a complete shock to me. I was terrified.

I was taught to work hard and give 100% which is what I did, but I quickly discovered that I was not academically prepared for college, and failed out after the first year.

I gathered up my pride and returned home with the intentions of working as a ranch hand at our ranch for the rest of my life, and never stepping foot on a college campus again. I also secured a part-time job in town as a chiropractor assistant. After approximately two years, my boss and co-workers encouraged me to look into earning my Associate's Degree in Business Management at Paris Junior College which was an 86 mile round-trip. I gave college another try, and I am so thankful I did.

After taking a keyboarding class, a computer class, developmental reading, and a couple developmental math classes, I began earning A's and my confidence increased more after each successful completion. After a few semesters, I switched over from the Applied Associates track to the Associate of Science track in order to transfer to Texas A&M University-Commerce in order to complete my Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

I successfully transferred to A&M-Commerce, and I not only completed my Bachelors, I also completed a Master of Science degree in Professional Counseling with a specialization in Student Affairs Practices in Higher Education.

I dedicated my life to helping college students find their path, and achieving their educational goals. I am particularly motivated when I am able to assist a student who has experienced challenges with college, and they walk away from my office with options and a plan to achieve their goals. I just enjoy helping others, if you need assistance, and you are not sure where to go, contact me!

Background: I am originally from Ciudad Juárez, México, and I grew up in El Paso, Texas. I was the first in my family to go to a university, and I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana with a Bachelor's degree in History and Spanish. I have been an academic transfer advisor at UHCL for 15 years.

Why I Became an Advisor: Although attending college was a life-changing experience, it was not an easy transition for me. I had an excellent academic advisor who guided me to new opportunities that I had never considered.  I quickly became hooked on helping students achieve their goals, and I began to pursue a career that would allow me to do this full time. This passion to help students has brought me to University of Houston-Clear Lake as an academic transfer advisor.

Favorite Food: I love Greek and Mediterranean food. I am also always looking for the best burger!

Hobbies: I enjoy Broadway musicals.  I am into video games and board games. I am a huge futbol (soccer) and college basketball fan. 

Fun Fact: I am learning to play the ukulele.