April 30
Transfer planning is a core part of advising at North Shore Community College (NSCC), with both faculty and professional advisors helping students explore and prepare for transfer opportunities. To strengthen this work, Student Support and Advising has launched a dedicated Transfer Services team, offering specialized expertise, coordination, and resources to support transfer advising across the College.
According to transfer data from the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 80% of community college students say they want to transfer, but roughly only 30% actually do. NSCC’s Transfer Services Team is working to close that gap and make sure that all students can follow their dreams.
Transferring can feel overwhelming, particularly for students balancing coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments.The Transfer Services team adds an additional layer of support to help students move forward with confidence. The team works alongside faculty and professional advisors by providing familiarity with existing transfer pathways and articulation agreements, supporting complex transfer planning questions, and coordinating transfer‑related events and partnerships.
James Cristiano, Coordinator of Transfer Services
As part of Student Support and Advising, Coordinator of Transfer Services James “Jim” Cristiano brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to NSCC. He previously spent nearly a decade at Merrimack College, where he worked his way up to director of admission for transfer students and built partnerships with community colleges, including NSCC.
Having worked on the four-year college side of the transfer process, Cristiano saw firsthand how critical strong advising and clear pathways are for students navigating a transition to a new institution. In his current role, he focuses on supporting students and advisors through transfer resources, institutional knowledge, and collaboration across departments.
“This is my community, so I really wanted to be part of this institution,” he said. “I get to help students find the best fit for them—trying to broaden their horizons and find a school that fits their goals and their financial needs."
Qing Zhao, Transfer Counselor, Lynn Campus
Transfer Counselor Qing Zhao first came to the United States as an international student at UMass Lowell, giving her personal insight into the challenges of navigating higher education systems and long-term academic planning.
“I was grateful that along my journey, teachers, professors, and peers helped me, so this is a way for me to pay that back,” she said.
Before she joined NSCC, Zhao worked for private organizations which help international students prepare for and apply to high schools, colleges, and graduate programs in the United States. At NSCC, she enjoys working with the College’s diverse student population and helping students understand transfer opportunities and pathways that align with their goals.
“Transferring provides students additional pathways and opportunities, since not every student who's finished high school is moving on to their top university right away. Starting at a community college provides them alternative opportunities and more flexible, more affordable ways for them to grow.”
Brooke Burke, Transfer Counselor, Danvers Campus
After working at private institutions for almost 15 years, Transfer Counselor Brooke Burke is excited to make the shift to a community college. She spent eight years at Pace University in New York City, first as an advisor and later as director of advising, before moving to Colorado to work as assistant director of admissions at Regis University.
"Advisement is why I fell in love with working with students and higher ed," she said.
After relocating to Massachusetts to be closer to family, Burke was drawn to NSCC’s student‑centered mission.
"These students are eager and open to learn," she said. "For a lot of them, it's overwhelming to even start this process, between jobs, families, finding a way to get to and from classes, they have a lot on their plate. That's why it's important to make transferring part of the conversation early."
Saving Money with Transfer Opportunities at NSCC
NSCC regularly hosts transfer‑focused events to connect students with four‑year institutions. Held on both the Lynn and Danvers Campuses, the March 2026 Transfer Fair Days featured representatives from more than 30 colleges and universities. At these events, students can visit booths, ask questions, and learn about the different options available to them after they graduate from NSCC.
More than 30 four-year colleges and universities attended the March 2026 Transfer Fair Days.
Many students choose NSCC as a starting point for financial, academic, or personal reasons. Through MassEducate and MassReconnect, eligible Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree may attend NSCC tuition‑free before transferring to a four‑year institution. Programs such as MassTransfer and the Commonwealth Commitment further support students by guaranteeing admission to public institutions and reducing the cost of a bachelor’s degree. NSCC also maintains articulation agreements with a range of public and private colleges to support clear transfer pathways.
To learn more about transferring from NSCC, visit the Transfer Services page or contact transfer@northshore.edu.