Transforming the Transfer Experience Workshop
January 26-27, 2026
Location: Asheville, NC
While credit transfer and accumulation remain foundational to the transfer process and student success, they represent only part of a much broader and more complex picture. Building on the key themes and insights from The Transfer Experience, this workshop will deepen participants’ understanding of today’s transfer student experience and the evolving transfer landscape.
Through interactive discussion and exploration, participants will examine critical elements that influence transfer success, including curricular pathways and the pivotal role of gateway courses. In addition, the workshop will introduce a practical, evidence-based model that can be used to design strategies that support transfer students both inside and outside the classroom.
Participants will leave with a richer appreciation of transfer student needs and with actionable tools to help build more effective and student-centered transfer ecosystems.
Course Facilitators:
Betsy Barefoot, Senior Scholar and Co-Founder
Brent Drake, Senior Vice President for Operations and Research
Stephanie M. Foote, Vice President for Teaching, Learning, and Evidence-Based Practices
John N. Gardner, Executive Chair and Founder
Cindy Kane, Associate Vice President
Emily Kittrel, Assistant Director, NISTS
Drew Koch, Chief Executive Officer
Sara Stein Koch, Institute Fellow and Senior Associate for Institutional Support
Janet Marling, Executive Director, NISTS
Rob Rodier, Associate Vice President for Technology, Informatics, and Data Security
Brandon Smith, Senior Associate Vice President
Fees
Early Bird Registration (ends December 1, 2025): $700
Regular Registration: $795
Registration fee includes, two breakfasts, two lunches, refreshment breaks, and conference materials.
Hotel: $129/night. Self-parking for attendees not staying at the hotel is $10 a day.
Link to Hotel Registration coming soon.
Refund Policy: No refunds will be given after December 1, 2026. All refunds will be subject to a 5% processing fee. Registration can be transferred to another participant before January 5, 2026; no transfers will be allowed after that. Requests must be made in writing to events@jngi.org.
All participants will receive a copy of “The Transfer Experience”
Conference Location Information:
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, North Carolina, USA, 28801
Asheville, North Carolina.
For over 25 years, Western North Carolina has been home to the Gardner Institute and many of our dedicated staff. In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene severely impacted the Asheville area, as well as parts of South Carolina and Tennessee. Although the region is still recovering from the hurricane’s effects, it is resilient and on the path to rebounding. Tourism plays a vital role in the area’s economy, and we are committed to supporting the hurricane recovery efforts. Recently, the New York Times highlighted Asheville as one of the top 52 places to visit in 2025. (see number 16) Renowned for its exceptional food scene and local breweries, Asheville has felt the loss of tourism in the wake of Helene. However, as this article demonstrates, the city’s beloved restaurants, bars, and breweries are resetting and ready to rebuild Asheville stronger than ever. We welcome you to experience the charm of Asheville and become part of its inspiring comeback story.
Hotel Information:
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, North Carolina, USA, 28801
Hotel: $129/night. Self-parking for attendees not staying at the hotel is $10 a day.
Link to Hotel Registration coming soon.
Air Service:
Asheville is served by both its own regional airport (AVL), 15 miles from the hotel, and by the nearby (about 50 miles) Greenville/Spartanburg (GSP). Airlines providing service directly into AVL are: Allegiant, American, Delta, Jet Blue, Sun Country, and United
