This paper investigates the expectations and culture that first-year students encounter when entering higher education. Induction activities are the first encounter with the new institutional setting and cultural context of the study programme, thus the students' first opportunity to develop ideas about what studying entails and what is expected…

This study examined the impact of a university outdoor orientation program on participants' transition to higher education. Researchers focused on participants' experiences during the program, utilizing a mixed-methods approach to measure resilience and well-being. Pre- and posttest instruments consisted of two preestablished scales and a series…

Guided pathways reforms require colleges to rethink how they teach and support students. The case studies in Part 2 of this practitioner packet examine how colleges at the forefront of these reforms are transforming their programs and support services by implementing three key guided pathways practices: (1) meta-majors (clusters of programs in…

Context: Professional socialization is a key process in the professional development of athletic training students. The published athletic training education research has focused on many perspectives regarding socialization; however, it has yet to investigate the program director's (PD's) opinion. Objective: To gain insights from the PD on methods…

A study examining the long-term influences of a university wilderness orientation program interviewed 16 participants 17 years later. Three consistent themes emerged: assumptions of themselves and others were challenged; peer friendships developed had strong, positive, and lasting effects; and the orientation program positively affected their…

At the beginning of the l974-75 term, Florida A & M University innovated the concept of the miniquarter. Its central purpose was to foster the development of the collegiate life styles, attitudes, motivations, and work-study habits almost absolutely demanded by competitive curricula. The idea appeared to be rational, relevant, and workable.…

Updated description of 38 wilderness orientation programs currently affiliated with U.S. colleges and universities includes program enrollment, length, cost, types of leaders, training, and sponsorship. Discusses program philosophies, goals, reasons for using the wilderness, and critical and emerging issues. Compares data to previous research.…

This study investigates the experiences of mature students across three higher education institutions in the UK. The issues arising are of relevance to academics who are involved in widening participation and in evaluating support in their own programmes for the diversity of students. The sample includes mature students from programmes in Health,…

A study examining wilderness orientation programs for incoming college freshmen surveyed 57 program leaders. Findings indicate that most programs supported social over academic goals and that assessment was informal and after the fact. Recommendations include revising stated goals and encouraging faculty participation if student retention is the…

A study examined goals and assessment techniques of college wilderness orientation programs designed to ease student adjustment to college life and increase retention. Questionnaires returned by 57 directors of wilderness orientation programs indicated that most programs supported prosocial goals such as positive peer-group development, enhanced…

The School of Indigenous Health Studies at the University of Sydney (Australia) developed the Cadigal Program to improve equity of access and participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The program allows lower scores on the University Admission Index or Tertiary Entrance Rank for Aboriginal applicants, who typically enter…

A survey was conducted to obtain more reliable data on Native Americans in higher education and to ascertain the factor contributing to their success and failure in college. A questionnaire was mailed to 79 colleges and universities serving the largest percentage of Native Americans in the United States. A total of 33 valid responses were…

In January 1996, Prince George's Community College (PGCC) established the Campus Retention Committee to review community college retention strategies, determine PGCC's strengths and weaknesses in the area of retention, and develop a list of retention goals and an implementation schedule for the college. After reviewing findings from previous…