This article describes the Transition Program implemented at a liberal arts college for newly enrolled students who have the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The diagnosis of ASD has risen dramatically; consequently, more students are arriving on college campuses with needs related to social pragmatic functioning. The Transition…

Higher education often supports new student transition through various orientation programs. Recently a greater focus on student spiritual growth has emerged as an important aspect. The wilderness orientation program in this study is unique because of its length (12-14 days) and its focus on students' spiritual development. The purpose of this…

What exactly is an "outdoor orientation program?" First offered in the United States in the 1930s by Dartmouth College, outdoor orientation programs (OOPs) use adventure programming to help incoming students adjust to university or college. Typically, these programs are conducted in a wilderness or backcountry setting, are several days…

Describes the Open Campus program of the University of Rochester in which during a 10-day period in April applicants who have been offered admission but have not decided to enroll are invited to the campus for one to three days. They room with volunteer student hosts, sit in on classes, etc. (JT)

This paper describes the freshman orientation procedures and activities of 17 public-supported institutions with student populations of 9500 or more. In addition, large, public-supported institutions are compared with all other institutions (N = 93) studied on proportions of informational, social, and intellectual activities offered in orientation…

This report describes the Summer Transitional Program (STP) at Duke University as analyzed by the principal leadership of the program and by others who participated in its evaluation. The program, initiated in the summer of 1969, was designed to provide academic and social orientation for approximately 40 participants. Evaluation of the 1969,…

Describes the planning and implementation of an experimental program at Grambling State University to increase the persistence of 12 college freshmen by teaching them to manage matriculation-oriented tasks, such as course registration and withdrawal, in regularly scheduled group meetings and individual counseling sessions. Reviews benefits. (DMM)

In an effort to inform commuter students of services and programs on a regular basis, the University of Maine at Orono launched a campaign consisting of a newsletter and orientation sessions targeted directly at commuter students. The newsletter included topics of special interest to commuter students such as housing services, ridesharing, child…

Examined the effect of orientation in altering concerns of new college students. Measured the change in level of student concern about academics, finances, physical layout, university structure, social integration and identity, housing, and social relationships. Results indicated that overall student concerns were reduced for the seven areas. (RC)

Examines the role of orientation programs from a student learning perspective and reviews current orientation programming practices. Argues that orientation programs facilitate the transition and integration of students into the college learning environment. Describes some exemplary orientation activities which demonstrate the varied aspects of…

Describes the UMaps project, a series of six comprehensive guides to academic, vocational, and cocurriculuar activities that appeal to particular types of students. UMaps organize campus opportunities into meaningful subenvironments, making options more accessible. They can be used in recruiting, orientation and counseling. (JAC)

Describes a unique one-semester, one-credit course which provides orientation to the University community, academic advising, values clarification and vocational planning, skill renewal exercises, and personal counseling to re-entry students. Continuing feedback underscores the relevance of such a holistic approach to student needs. (Author/JAC)

Many institutions have stepped up their efforts to recruit talented black students. Dartmouth's weekend, called "Experience Dartmouth," has become one of its most successful recruitment tools. Weekends planned by undergraduate students and increased involvement of black alumni are described. (MLW)

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)