Alienation is viewed as a relatively stable and enduring characteristic of individuals. Significant correlations were found between the alienation scale, administered before matriculation, and three indices of adjustment in the freshman year (i.e., the adjustment scale, an activities checklist, and attrition). (Author)

To combat student attrition, counseling centers must expand their programs by reaching out to students before emotional or academic problems begin. Special emphasis should be put on admission counseling, and term, mid-term and between-semester periods. (JAC)

Results indicate freshmen consider academic and personal topics to be important, but academic categories have primacy. To increase freshmen retention, the academic domain warrants a high priority in orientation programs. They should also focus on student life outside the classroom such as finances and extracurricular activities. (Author)