In 2011, pepnet 2 launched the Deaf Learner Initiative (DLI). The goals of this initiative were to examine the existing paradigms, programs, pedagogy and relevant research related to the educational and vocational needs of deaf learners. The DLI was comprised of a variety of activities including the Deaf Learner Symposium, the creation of three…

Outlines a successful high school orientation program using volunteer upperclass students to acclimate new students. (MD)

Discusses Rutgers University's departmentally based "Gateway" retention program for underprepared students. Explains that, in "Gateway Sociology 101," students learn sociology in extraordinarily positive conditions. Reports that instructors pursue expanded goals, offer extra classroom time, monitor attendance, teach in teams,…

Peer helping is a system of delivering service to young people who do not seek it from traditional sources. The peer helping program teaches young people to help fellow students solve personal problems, to demonstrate positive social skills, and to serve as role models in social situations. Training, which initially uses discussion and group…

Compares the themes of academic and social integration in Tinto's model of college student attrition with the themes of "vision" and "sense of community" as described in a recent ethnographic study. It is argued that vision and sense of community are more useful theoretical considerations in helping address college student…

This annotated bibliography describes resource materials on educational theory and practice related to the first college year. This edition contains nearly twice as many entries as the second edition. Works are grouped into these topical headings: (1) "Academic Advising and Student Counseling"; (2) "Academic Support"; (3) "Assessment and…

A study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) found a positive relationship between freshman (n=262) decidedness regarding academic major and both anticipated adjustment (prematriculation) and actual adjustment (postmatriculation), more academically than socially. Comparison with another study suggests the relationship is stronger in…

Acceleration may be an effective intervention in some cases of underachievement by gifted students. Lack of challenge is the primary indicator for consideration of accelerative options. Acceleration is not appropriate for all gifted students, and an adjustment period is common in successful acceleration. Brief case studies illustrate acceleration…

A survey of 278 academic advisors from six four-year colleges and universities determined differences in advisors' attitudes toward students matriculating at their institutions, transfer community-college students, and students coming from other four-year colleges. Advisors viewed transfer students as less prepared, less motivated, less…

This study sought to evaluate the impact of orientation, general levels of adjustment, differences between orientation attending and non-attending students, and differences between faculty and student academic performance evaluations for freshmen at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania during the crucial first six weeks on campus. From a pool…

Ways that college faculty can increase students' learning by reducing stress are identified by three members of the University of Utah School of Medicine faculty. Consideration is given to the impact of stress on learning and the causation, recognition, and reduction of stress. The value of feedback and control, teacher-student interaction, and…

A study of 136 graduate social work students found that burnout (strain) was significantly related to each of 3 stress indicators and 2 outcome measures (intention to quit school and physical and psychological symptoms). Direct stress-to-outcome relationship was nonsignificant. Evidence of a buffering influence of social support was limited. (MSE)

Researchers say transition programs need to last longer than just the first few days of a new school year. Most transition programs consider only one thing helping students adjust to their new school. Schools need to go through a transition process of their own, paying serious attention to the research on transition, adjusting to the students, and…

This booklet contains questions that are intended to serve as a starting point for asking meaningful questions about the quality of the first year of college so that a two-year college campus can enhance the learning, satisfaction, and retention of new college students. The previous edition considered the first-year experience for both two-year…

Surveys of students at two Australian colleges (n=342 and 208) investigated their perceived stresses during the college experience. Respondents were more concerned with academic matters than a range of personal, interpersonal, and practical factors. Additional surveys of faculty indicate they are biased in their perceptions of student concerns.…