Residential Freshman Interest Groups (FIGS) have recently become a popular instructional and social model for academic and student affairs colleagues who are concerned that millennial students learn to reflect on life experiences and daily events as part of the learning process. An introductory FIG program recognizes that millennial students are…

As much as it is eagerly anticipated, freshman year is often a time of confusion, disorientation, and even alienation for many students. One in four college freshmen will drop out before completing sophomore year. The reasons for this high level of withdrawal vary, but a report suggests that new students often feel overwhelmed and unprepared for…

The author describes a counseling-focused Learning Community program for 1st-year college students. It is argued that counseling services can be improved if constructive partnerships are formed among counselors, faculty, and residence life staff. Positive initial assessment data are presented along with suggestions for implementing similar…

Freshman orientation programs at the University of Puget Sound, Dartmouth College, and Bard College are easing the trauma and stress that high-school graduates feel as they adjust to course work and campus social life. They are also enhancing retention rates, improving faculty teaching, and strengthening the sense of community. (MLW)

The freshman orientation process at Fordham College is used to illustrate the processes and advantages of building a sense of community for freshmen, one element supporting successful advising. Among the techniques used was a Values Program, a grouping of courses to encourage learning and stimulate moral development among students. (MSE)

Describes one university's effort to promote campus diversity through a required freshman course. Discusses the three goals set for the course, outlines the method of evaluation used, describes the course's effects on student attitudes and beliefs, and reports student and faculty satisfaction regarding the course. (RJM)

At the University of South Carolina, John Gardner directs University 101, a three-credit course designed to teach freshmen some basic "college survival skills," such as study techniques, constructive ways to relate to peers and professors, and how to use career center. In the last few years, it has been copied by hundreds of colleges in…

Many institutions are taking freshman orientation more seriously by challenging students before they start classes and giving them a more thorough introduction to campus life than ever before. The biggest changes in orientation are occurring among community colleges. Some of the experiences at Georgia Tech are described. (MLW)

Two collaborative learning programs for beginning college students are examined: the University of Washington's Freshman Interest Group and the Coordinated Studies Program at Seattle Central Community College (Washington). The study looks at whether and how such programs are effective. The programs appear effective in promoting commuter student…

Mount Ida College (Massachusetts) has found the use of college administrators as mentors to students, complementing academic advising and faculty mentoring, to be an effective approach to strengthening the tie between first-year college students and their institutions. The impact has been noticeable in the campus culture as well as in student…

Orientation for first-year college students is important for students, parents, and the institution. It should fit institutional traditions, values, and culture, involve parents, be staffed by well-trained current students, and be carefully evaluated for improvement. Mississippi State University's program focuses on retention and is festive,…

This publication contains a collection of 95 abstracts of presentations on college student transitions, particularly those of freshmen, transfer students, and seniors. Each abstract is designed to give the reader a short summary of a presentation and to provide the name, address, and telephone number of the person to contact for additional…

Glassboro State College (New Jersey) has developed an institution-wide comprehensive, coordinated program based on the concept of early provision of quality services and programs to provide students with positive linkages to the institution. Persistence to graduation is the long-term goal of the retention program. Additional goals include…