Brigham Young University (Utah) creates a personalized student profile based on high school academic records, American College Testing data, and student interests and concerns. The profile leads to an individualized letter recommending a first-year course of study and sources of additional help. Faculty freshman advisors are trained in use of the…

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 program for more effective academic advising called "Freshman Dialogue" where small groups of freshmen meet weekly with a trained faculty advisor for an intensive orientation to the university. Provides various rewards for both students and faculty. Results indicate the program was enthusiastically received and retention improved.…

Describes a six-week residential orientation and study skills program for educationally disadvantaged students at Livingston College, New Jersey, which includes mock registration, developmental workshops, content study skills courses, purposeful nonacademic activities, and group counseling, and which is adapted to the needs of a multiethnic,…

This paper describes a preadmission orientation program for older nontraditional students at Murray State University, Kentucky. Included is a description of the university, a description of the orientation for traditional-age freshmen and an explanation of why this program was not appropriate for adult freshmen. A step-by-step description of the…

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…

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,…

A college student orientation program is described which incorporates outdoor adventure activities. The purpose of the program is to challenge the participants and encourage cooperation between individuals. The two general categories of adventure activities used in this program are low risk (initiative games, nature walks, camping, and nature…

The "revolving door syndrome" refers to the ease with which students are able to enroll in community colleges and the equal ease with which they can drop out. In addition to traditional retention strategies, such as assessment, placement, orientation and advising, innovative approaches have been implemented at five community colleges…

The Community College of Philadelphia's Minority Education Initiative Program was created to increase the enrollment of Black and Hispanic students through pro-active recruitment and retention strategies. One component of the initiative, a minority mentoring program, was developed and pilot tested in spring 1988. Faculty and staff volunteers in…