Peer mentoring has shown beneficial effects in facilitating academic and social integration among first-year students in higher education. Previous research is, however, limited by the exclusion of a comparison group, to examine whether the integration process still occurs among non-mentored students, independently of peer mentoring. By using…

This article focused on findings of case study that explored the use of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" to supplement a service-learning project. The project was initiated in an academic orientation course as a part of a summer bridge program in order to foster a sense of belonging. Data from written reflections and a focus group centered…

Formal mentoring programmes continue to gain popularity in higher education, mirroring trends in industry. The study described in this article examines the design features of a formal mentoring programme for first year undergraduates and focused on three key aspects--the matching process, training and orientation, and interaction frequency. The…

There are approximately 65,000 students in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) labeled as "English language learners" (ELLs). Many of these students have the additional obstacle of being recent immigrants who have been in the United States for three years or less. In recent years, the number of immigrant ELLs in the district…

The transition to higher education can be problematic for some students as they adapt to institutional procedures and degree level working at the same time as developing new social networks. To help facilitate these complex transitions institutions are increasingly turning towards digital technologies to provide both flexible access to resources…

Reasons for the failure of special programs to help college freshmen adjust to school are analyzed. (JD)

Results of evaluating the June 1987 orientation program at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are discussed and compared to findings of the 1986 orientation program evaluation. Items that were ranked as the four highest and four lowest aspects of orientation are identified. Orientation leader effectiveness is also assessed, along with…

A survey completed by 105 incoming college freshmen at Arkansas State University evaluated the new student orientation program. The orientation program consisted of the following activities and sessions: President's Reception, Playfair (an icebreaker), Meet the Dean, Tips from the Professor, Greek Life Picnic, Student Services/Educational…

Considers how to prepare future high school students for the change that they will experience upon leaving the local middle school. (RK)

An optional summer explorientation program for new students at York College, Pennsylvania, is described, and a literature review and York College survey results are presented. The program is designed to orient students to campus life and provide exposure to campus facilities, faculty, administration, and other students. The literature suggests…

Describes New Student Welcome Day, an orientation program for freshmen at the University of Maine. Outlines objectives of the three-day program, including assisting students' transition to the university, fostering development of a peer group, creating an atmosphere conducive to favorable attitudes, and reducing anxiety. (JAC)

Researchers have begun to analyze community college retention data in terms of students' stated objectives upon entry. By categorizing students based upon their most important reason for attending college, meaningful follow-up and assessment of students' goal attainment can be conducted. Program evaluation studies have produced evidence that…

A study examined goals and assessment techniques of college wilderness orientation programs designed to ease student adjustment to college life and increase retention. Questionnaires returned by 57 directors of wilderness orientation programs indicated that most programs supported prosocial goals such as positive peer-group development, enhanced…

Describes a program called Athletes for a Better Education (AFBE) which is a year-round academic-athletic-counseling program for outstanding high school athletes. It consists of three phases: a summer residential camp; follow-up programs; college placement and culminating activities. Discusses the current collegiate-athletic scandals. (RC)

The freshmen orientation programs offered by the colleges and universities that hold membership in the Pittsburgh Council of Higher Education (PCHE) were studied, and recommendations for a comprehensive orientation process were suggested. Interviews with three individuals for each program at nine institutions were sought; attention was directed…