Hello everyone, and welcome. I’m Russell Shoemaker, the Assistant Director of Admissions here at CCS. I specifically work with transfer students, and today we have a wonderful group of current and alumni transfer students with us to share their experiences.

To start, I’d like to have each of you introduce yourselves. Just to give you a bit of background, I was also a transfer student, though I didn’t attend CCS. I know firsthand how challenging and confusing the transferring process can be, which is why I enjoy working with transfer students.

Cody, would you like to start?

Sure! Hi, I’m Cody. I graduated from CCS in 2018 and was a transfer student myself. I currently work primarily in TV animation, focusing on background design, paint, color design, and prop design. I freelance as well, doing tabletop board game design, where I create the actual game boards. I’ve worked with various studios, including Cartoon Network, Titmouse, and Bento Box, among others. I’ve also collaborated with Marvel, DC, and Warner Brothers. I’m based in Atlanta, but I’m originally from Detroit, so CCS was just next door for me. I started at Henry Ford College, where I changed my major four times before I finally ended up at CCS.

Thank you, Cody! Who would like to go next?

I can go. Hi, I’m Beck! It’s great to see that we’re all animation people on this panel. I’m currently a junior in the animation program and transferred from Michigan Tech, which was quite a change since it’s not an art-focused school. Before transferring, I was in chemical engineering and then switched to computer science, which wasn’t a great fit for me, especially during the pandemic when online classes made it challenging to engage with programming. I realized I was much more excited to discuss art than coding, and after talking with my professors, I decided to pursue animation instead.

Thanks, Beck! Fletcher, would you like to introduce yourself?

Sure! My name is Fletcher, and I’m also a third-year student in the animation program. I’m a first-year experience leader, helping new students, and I’m a student ambassador who gives tours of the school. I transferred from a small community college up north called Delta College, where I earned my associate’s degree in Art and Design. I always knew I wanted to pursue art, so I thought starting at community college would save some money and make my transition to the next school easier.

Great! Olivia, would you like to go next?

Of course! I’m Olivia Ezinga, and although I’m not a transfer student, I am a CCS alum and one of the Assistant Directors of Admissions here. I work with first-time freshmen from Michigan. I graduated from CCS with a degree in Photography in 2016. I’ll also be helping out with the chat, so if anyone has questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to answer.

Thank you, Olivia! I’ll now go over a timeline of important considerations when applying to CCS. Transferring can be a challenging process, so I want to provide some clarity on the steps involved. As we go through this information, please feel free to jot down any questions for the panel.

It’s important to note that transferring is a different process compared to applying to a school for the first time. Therefore, I recommend allowing yourself ample time to navigate the transfer process. I will outline some steps here, as a step-by-step approach can help keep you on track.

The first step is scheduling a one-on-one virtual appointment with myself or another counselor. I handle all transcripts, so I’m probably the best one to consult for that, but anyone from our admissions team can help you. Taking the initiative is crucial during this process; there may be times when you’ll need to ask questions or seek clarification.

Next, you’ll want to apply. Several of you may have already done this. Applying is generally the easiest part of the process. Aim to submit your application by November 1st for winter or March 1st for fall. You can also follow the traditional freshman deadlines of December 1st or January 1st. While you can apply after these dates, it’s to your benefit to adhere to them as transfer students.

The online application is free and straightforward, taking about 30 minutes to complete. You won’t need to submit an artist statement or letters of recommendation.

The next step involves requesting your transcripts, which is a bit more complicated. Most transcripts can be sent through Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. If you’re unsure how your school sends transcripts, a quick Google search should help. We require transcripts from every college you’ve attended. If you’ve taken AP courses, it’s also a good idea to submit a transcript from the College Board to ensure you receive as much credit as possible.

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, too. You can provide screenshots from your student portal as long as they include all necessary details like grades, class names, class codes, and the semesters attended. Once you’re admitted, we will require official transcripts.

Next, you’ll need to submit your portfolio. Aim to include 5 to 12 examples of your best work. The website mentions 5 to 8, but you can submit up to 12 on SlideRoom. If you have taken many art classes, it’s okay to include additional pieces. Be sure to include descriptions of your work, especially if it stems from specific class assignments. This information is helpful when determining transfer credits. You can also send a Google Drive folder with your work, ensuring it’s organized by class or labeled as personal work.

The next step is submitting your FAFSA. Depending on your age, you may need to involve your parents. The FAFSA is available now for winter applications, so make sure to update it with CCS’s school code, which is 006671. If you’re applying for next fall, the application will open in December, and there will be some changes to the process.

Once admitted, you will receive a transfer credit evaluation outlining which classes will transfer into our program. If we don’t have sufficient information to determine transfer credits, we may reach out for additional work. If you have questions about this process, feel free to schedule an appointment with me.

After receiving your merit scholarship, FAFSA, and any grants, if you’re still concerned about affording CCS, please reach out. There are ways we can help you, and we encourage you to stay in touch.

Finally, after all that, it will be time to deposit and register for classes. At this point, you will work with an academic advisor to select your courses. It’s essential to ensure that everything is organized before making your tuition deposit, as it is nonrefundable.

Now, I’d like to open the floor to our transfer panel. I’ll stop sharing my screen here. Are there any questions while I was speaking?

No questions in the chat? Okay, perfect! Let’s start with an easy one: Why did you choose to transfer from your previous institution, and what was it about CCS that led you to make this decision? Who would like to go first? I came from Delta College, which is located near Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City in Michigan. I left because their art program had a very limited focus, with only four teachers covering twelve subjects. It felt more like an engineering school with art as a side offering. However, their foundational classes covered everything I needed.

The reason I chose CCS specifically is that I didn’t look at many other schools. CCS has incredible connections; our alumni are active in their respective industries. Many of the current faculty members are still prominent in their fields. For example, one of my teachers worked on Rocky and Bullwinkle, which is an iconic animation. Additionally, my computer character animation teacher recently worked for Disney on projects like Moana, Zootopia, and Frozen II. The faculty at CCS really know what they’re doing, which is why I chose this school.

I originally started at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, and I had no idea what I wanted to do when I first began. I changed my major three times. In my final year there, I enrolled in the illustration program and graduated with an associate degree in Liberal Arts and a certificate in illustration. I was also just six credit hours away from an Associate’s in Psychology. However, during my last classes in the psychology program, I faced high-level math courses, which I struggled with. As a result, I shifted my focus back to drawing classes.

Vicky Shepard, who runs the art program at Henry Ford, was incredibly supportive. She recommended CCS when I asked about my options, and even though I was relatively new to college after being there for four years, she pointed me in the direction of CCS, and everything happened quickly after that.

I initially hesitated to share my experience because I feel like it serves as a cautionary tale. I Googled art schools in Michigan one day, and CCS was the only one that didn’t feel disingenuous. Many schools I found had art programs attached to larger universities, which felt less credible. I applied to CCS without any real intention of completing the process. However, my mom started looking into it and discovered that someone from my high school had attended CCS and found success. Learning about successful alumni, including Tim Flattery, made me reconsider my choice and encouraged me to follow through with the application.

When it comes to transfer credits, I found them to be both helpful and challenging. In many ways, they made my schedule lighter, allowing me to focus on art classes. However, I did transfer a perspective credit that I later wished I had taken again, given the intensity of CCS’s foundation classes. Overall, having the transfer credits was beneficial, as I could focus on the necessary courses without the burden of additional language or liberal arts classes.

I had a similar experience. I transferred credits for most of my general education requirements, which allowed me to concentrate on my major. Next year, I expect to feel the benefits even more as many of my elective credits will come into play. Instead of taking a full load of required classes like many of my peers, I’ll only have my senior film studio class and a professional futures class, giving me more time to create.

Becka, how about you? Since you came from a different school, what’s your experience with transfer credits?

I didn’t receive any art credits because I hadn’t taken any art classes before coming here. However, I didn’t have to deal with liberal arts courses, which I appreciated since I’m not interested in taking English classes. Despite not having many credits transferred, I decided to pursue a game design minor to maintain full-time status for scholarship reasons. While I was grateful for the transfer credits, they sometimes led to an overwhelming class schedule. Admissions counselors may not fully understand how demanding studio classes are, which can result in students ending up with too many studio courses at once. Balancing this can be challenging, especially when you want to finish school quickly. However, it’s crucial to remember that rushing can hinder your growth as an artist.

I completely agree. I also had many transfer credits, but they primarily applied to my liberal arts requirements. My first year was manageable, but I later found myself taking on a minor as well, which felt like both a blessing and a curse. The first semester was certainly an adjustment. The work ethic here is different, and everyone is there to excel in their respective fields, unlike a community college where some students might view art classes as electives or just something fun to do.

I found that many of my classmates were much younger, and I sometimes felt like a “grandpa” trying to keep up. However, age differences didn’t matter much in the end. You get out of your education what you put into it. I was very active on campus; I served as a student ambassador and was involved in student government for the illustration department for three of my four years. I wanted to make the most of my experience at CCS, and it paid off.

Getting immersed in activities is important. CCS offers various groups, including a transfer group, which is a great place to meet people. If you’re interested, I run that group!

I’d like to add that the transfer credits do open up your schedule for more opportunities. For instance, I was able to take a semester off last year to work at Disney World because I had the flexibility with my transfer credits. It’s great to have that option.

Transitioning to CCS from a community college can be challenging. I feel like I’m still adjusting. Coming from an engineering school, I’m surrounded by people with a different mindset. It took me about half a semester to acclimate, and knowing what to expect from college helped. I engaged in clubs that aligned with my interests, which made it easier to connect with others.

I agree; that first semester is definitely an adjustment. The work ethic here is intense compared to other schools. It’s a relief to be surrounded by others who share your passion for art. Although many of my classmates were younger, I made strong friendships and stayed active on campus to enhance my experience.

If you’re ever struggling to meet people, I encourage you to participate in the transfer groups and activities. They can provide valuable connections and support during your transition.

Most of what needs to be said has already been addressed. It was a bit of an adjustment for me. The biggest change was the shift from community college, where many students feel like they are just progressing from high school to college because that’s the expected path. At CCS, everyone is much more deliberate about their education and goals. This shift is refreshing; at Delta, I felt like I was simply being prepared for a job later. Now, I sit next to students who could be the next Spielberg or George Lucas.

While it’s still fun, the environment is much more competitive, and deadlines hit harder in this program. It can be tough to manage. Having been out of school for a couple of years, I find it challenging to adjust from thinking, “I can finish this essay in an hour or two,” to spending hours on a single project for one studio class. However, this intense experience translates well into the working world of visual arts.

There have been moments when I thought, “I can’t possibly get this done in a week,” yet I did, and that feeling of accomplishment is invigorating. It makes me believe I might make it in the industry one day. The passion of the people around me, especially in the animation department, is markedly different from other schools. It’s fantastic and contagious. Everyone is so excited about what they are doing, and even though we are competitive, I would describe the atmosphere as a healthy kind of competition.

In my experience, the competitive edge isn’t cutthroat; rather, it inspires collaboration. Seeing what my peers are creating motivates me to elevate my own work. It’s an endless cycle of inspiration and support. Sometimes, this competitiveness manifests in admiration, where I think, “Wow, their film is amazing; I want to contribute something just as good.” When I mention competition, I don’t mean it in the traditional sense of trying to defeat someone; instead, it’s about being inspired by their work and realizing that if they can do it, so can I.

I often tell prospective students that comparison can be a powerful motivator. I wasn’t a transfer student, but in my sophomore year of high school, I was the top student in my AP art class. When I entered college, I quickly realized that everyone else was far better than me, which motivated me to improve. It’s important to use comparison positively, as it can drive growth and improvement.

As creatives, we can easily lose ourselves in our ideas and dreams. Sometimes we need that reality check—seeing someone else excel can push us to refine our own visions and bring them to fruition. This mindset is essential, especially in animation, where the industry may seem big, but it’s surprisingly small. Everyone knows everyone, and witnessing the work of peers can help us align our own goals. Stressful moments are part of the process, but they also fuel our growth as creatives.

When discussing resources at CCS, it’s hard to pinpoint one specific thing that stood out to me. Having previous experience, I was focused on how to make my goals a reality. I made sure to engage with my instructors, many of whom became not just mentors but friends and colleagues I still communicate with. Talking to industry professionals who are actively working provides invaluable insight.

I did find it beneficial to request disability accommodations, which made a significant difference for me. However, I initially wasn’t aware of many resources on campus, especially as a transfer student. Unfortunately, transfer students often fall through the cracks during their first semester because they aren’t required to take a first-year experience class, and orientation isn’t always tailored to them. This can lead to a lack of awareness about available resources. Although you can navigate things on your own, having a clear understanding of what’s available would have been helpful.

In my first year, I relied on external support, mainly from my family. They reminded me that it was my first year and that it takes time to adjust. It’s great that there is now a first-year experience class for transfer students. I recommend taking it if you have the opportunity; it covers important information that can help you navigate your time at CCS.

Regarding housing, I lived in the Art Center building, which is the campus dorm with kitchens and an apartment-style setup. I highly recommend living on campus for at least your first year. It allows you to explore without worrying about commuting or having to change clothes. My first year was entertaining; my roommates were a mix of majors and backgrounds, creating a unique environment. Living with others is one of the fastest ways to meet people on campus.

During my first year, my building experienced several fire alarms, which helped foster friendships as we gathered outside on the lawn. I genuinely believe that living on campus is a fantastic way to build connections. Although I only lived on campus for one year, I recommend it, especially for the roommate experience.

After that year, I became a commuter, living about 15 minutes from CCS. This arrangement helped me save money on housing, but I can understand the value of the campus living experience.

During my time at college, there wasn’t a day that went by when I didn’t think, “I wish I just lived across campus.” I had a major and a minor, which meant I had a pretty heavy workload throughout my time there. Especially during my junior and senior years, I would be on campus by 8 or 9 a.m. for my morning classes and would stay all day until about 10:30 p.m. when my last class ended. Many times, particularly in my senior year, I would stay as long as I could and then drive home to sleep. Thankfully, it wasn’t far, so it wasn’t dangerous, but there were definitely days, especially in winter, when I thought, “I wish I could just walk across campus to get to my class” instead of having to warm up my car and shovel snow.

There are definitely pros and cons to both living on campus and commuting. If you need to live at home to save money, you can definitely do that if it’s within a reasonable distance. However, I highly recommend getting a meal plan, as it takes a significant burden off your shoulders, especially during your first year. I wish I had gotten one; instead, I commuted and made my own food, which was not the best decision.

On campus, we have 24-hour markets, which is incredibly convenient because you don’t have to worry about how much money you have on your card. You can simply use your meal plan money with your ID, which is fantastic. As someone who has lived in campus housing for all three years and is now an RA, I can say I’ve enjoyed it overall. I have been fortunate with my roommate situations, and living in the traditional dorm-style housing at TC has been great. Even though we don’t have kitchens, you would be surprised what you can accomplish with a rice cooker, air fryer, and microwave.

Living on campus is a great way to meet people, and everything is conveniently close by. Additionally, if your family is anything like mine, they might worry about you attending school in Detroit. However, Midtown is a great area—very nice and safe. I’m not from Detroit either, and I had similar concerns. My parents insisted that I live on campus during my first year because they were worried about my safety, and I’ve never looked back. It’s been convenient and, honestly, the price of housing is quite competitive with options around the area.

Currently, I’m a commuter, but I have a studio apartment right across the street from TC. It’s actually about the same price as CCS housing, and living so close means I walk everywhere. I have a dog, so I enjoy exploring the area. The neighborhood is delightful, especially since living near the school gives you access to places like Seva’s Pizza and Joe Louis. If you haven’t tried Joe Louis’ bacon, it’s a must! Plus, if you live on the ACB campus, you’re right next to the Detroit Institute of Arts, which is one of the best art museums in the country. On days off, you can easily walk over there and grab a delicious Italian sandwich from the café.

We have a lot of great museums in the area, and I work at the Science Center, which is a fantastic place. One of my favorite activities was visiting the Red Bull House of Art, which, although not within walking distance, is still in Metro Detroit. It’s a cool spot, especially because it’s so close to CCS. When attending openings, it’s nice to hang out with friends and fellow CCS students. I often miss the convenience of being able to take a half-hour break from class to explore the DIA, which is just across the street and free for students. The Detroit Public Library is also stunning; I can’t recommend it enough even just for a stroll.

I believe that being in such a diverse environment has been a huge benefit. At CCS, people are open about their mental health and supportive of one another, which was refreshing for me, especially coming from a conservative area in West Michigan. The diversity in culture, religion, and identity at CCS and in Detroit is striking. It’s been a welcome change from the narrow-mindedness I experienced back home.

It’s good for some people, but I think as artists, you need to be exposed to and come into contact with other people, both for the sake of being a good person and for your growth. The mental health aspect was also great. I loved how different it was to make friends with people from different majors. For example, I think of myself as a photographer who approaches problem-solving in my fine art way. However, with design-based majors, like Sam who was talking about product design, I often wonder how they solve problems and think innovatively. I find that innovative way of thinking fascinating.

Making friends from different majors is essential not only for personal connections but also for networking. Cody, you mentioned it’s a small world; everybody knows everybody. You want to be on good terms because you never know where any of us are going to end up. I have friends who are now art directors for design firms, and I’ve seen some of the coolest things happen in fields like fashion. It’s exciting to continue seeing how people have progressed; for example, I had a class with someone who is now a big deal in their field.

Absolutely, don’t be intimidated by anyone. I think you should be your true self while you’re here because we’re all going to learn from each other. I just want to echo what everybody else said; that was my experience too. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and talk about the things you’re into because we are, for the most part, open-minded and inquisitive as artists. We love to learn.

The culture shock never really ends; the trick is learning to embrace it. Oh, good point! That’s a part of life too. After you get out of whatever school you’re in now, even after CCS, I’ve found that working in different environments like Disney, everywhere you go is different, and it requires a bit of adjustment.

A significant takeaway from CCS, as you mentioned, is to do what you love, and you’ll be fine. Whatever your passion is, just love it entirely, and the people who share those interests will flock to you. CCS makes it really easy to create a group if you can’t find one that interests you. For example, Beck started a swim club, and I am the president of the weightlifting club here on campus. I was given this responsibility through a simple high-five, and it was very easy to start.

I did something similar when I was there; I started a sketch club for illustration students where we would bring in our own props and costumes and set up a drawing room to take photo references of ourselves and have figure drawing sessions outside of our regular classes. It’s incredibly easy to set up clubs, and these groups can vary widely, from something as serious as the transfer student club to something as lighthearted as a Just Dance club. You can easily find your people. If you don’t see the things you want to be a part of, you can create them; CCS makes it easy. Chances are, if you’re interested in something, someone else is too, and they just haven’t taken the initiative to do it.

All of this is super great feedback. We will end it here since we are over the 7 o’clock mark. If you guys want to share anything or plug your work—whether it’s your Instagram or website—feel free to do so. I’ll drop my links in there. Personally, when I’m not working in animation or freelance design, I started a mentorship program. I’ve dropped the link for that in the chat. I teach background design and painting for TV animation through a program called Coven of the Arts. I’ve been doing it for about six seasons now, which is crazy. I’ve had the absolute honor of working with around 30 different students from all over the world at this point, and some of my students have gone on to work at places like Nickelodeon and Bento Box. I love doing it, so if you’re interested in animation or background design for animation, please check it out and share it with your friends too, as I would love to keep it going.

Cody, could you drop that link in the chat again? I think I accidentally shared it directly to someone else. Awesome, there it is, just in case. Thank you, everyone! This was a great conversation, and we’ll have it recorded to share with other students who didn’t get to attend the event. Thank you so much! Have a good night! If anybody has any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I’ll put my link in the chat as well.