Contends that orientation must be organized to address changing student needs. Presents comprehensive orientation model for 1990s which includes preorientation, first-year orientation day or week, orientation course, follow-up, multiculturalism, programs for parents/spouses, and evaluation. Concludes that multifaceted approach to orientation can…

Outlines six sources of stress for college freshmen, including poor preparation, social distractions, family crisis, financial stress, confused career direction, and situational experiences such as health problems. Suggested sources of help are discussed. (JAC)

A professional development course helps business majors develop a commitment to their profession. Such activities as cooperative learning groups, field experiences, speakers, and journal writing acquaint students with the concepts of a profession. (SK)

This document describes the policies of California State Polytechnic University which severely restrict the number of students who are allowed to enroll as undeclared majors. It explains that only first-time freshmen may enter the university without a major, that transfer students must declare a major upon application, and that undeclared majors…

Reports on a comparative survey of 93 college freshmen (home economics and business majors) regarding their choice of major. Variables discussed include factors and persons influencing this choice, prior work experience, level of satisfaction with the choice, and preferred career options. (CH)

The National Collegiate Athletic Association's three-person research staff conducts several projects each year and coordinates others by university researchers, but without the publicity from the new rule on academic standards for freshman eligibility. Most research addresses a variety of topics such as athlete academic achievements, injuries, and…

Institutions are adding "cultural-diversity workshops" to their orientation sessions in hopes of promoting greater harmony on their campuses. The orientation session at the University of Michigan is described in which a panel of four students talk about their experiences at the university and then students break into small groups for…

The annual survey conducted by the Cooperative Institutional Research Program at the University of California at Los Angeles, found that freshmen continue to be preoccupied by material wealth and career success. Liberal stances on policy issues, new interest in teaching careers, and heightened fears of AIDS were also noted. (MLW)

Describes the methods that have been developed to blend descriptive chemistry and principles in a first-year chemistry course. The key is active teaching of the subject using the periodic table as a template. Inorganic chemistry is taught using a group approach: developing trends that help teaching and learning become obvious if all elements of…

Utilizing Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) data from 1966 to 1988, this article reports results of an analysis of changes in freshmen interest in teaching and the characteristics of the freshmen whose career interests are explored. (IAH)

The National Collegiate Athletic Association's new minimum academic standards for freshman athletes have resulted in 650 students accepted at the colleges but not able to practice or compete with the team as freshmen. The fact that most of these students are black has fueled criticism of the rule. (MSE)

Provides a list of books considered by scholars to be important for African American college freshmen to read. The recommendations are accompanied by reasons as to why these books may have a profound effect on the lives of these students. (GLR)

Three innovative ideas for college instruction include a freshman assignment to write recruitment letters to high school students with similar interests, introductory art history classes taught solely in a museum adjacent to the campus, and use of the "Hunt of the Unicorn" tapestry to combine plant identification practice with art…

Reviews retention research and examines programs that use freshman orientation courses and student leadership development as components in aiding retention. Concludes that overall awareness of university and its resources and integration into academic and social aspects of college life seem to be key factors in student retention. (Author/ABL)

A "Culture, Ideas, and Values" requirement with goals similar to those of an existing freshman program including works by women and minorities, will be initiated at Stanford University but without a fixed reading list. The faculty has been embroiled in debate for two years. (MLW)