California Lutheran University's seven-week freshman seminar focuses on building relationships and helping students make decisions about their college and occupational careers. Issues arising in the course's evolution include the role of peer advisors, major vs. non-major advising, maintaining institution-wide support, and credit and academic…

Academic advising is a significant dimension of a campus-wide retention program, stimulating a positive, personalized student-teacher relationship. Components of an advising program emphasizing retention include: institutional commitment, faculty endorsement of advisor responsibilities, advisor training, advisor evaluation and recognition, peer…

Due to a survey showing negative student and faculty attitudes toward advising, a program to improve advising services and student contact was undertaken. Results show increased interactions of all kinds initiated by students, faculty, and staff; improved retention; and slightly increased enrollment. (MSE)