A national survey was conducted which examined the scope of freshman seminar programming, the characteristics of these seminars, and the variance between different types of freshman seminars with respect to their goals, topics addressed, and other characteristics. The study surveyed 2,460 regionally-accredited colleges and universities of whom 1,064 responded. Of these, 696 indicated that their institution currently offers a course called a freshman seminar or colloquium. An additional 58 respondents planned to offer such a seminar in the 1992-93 academic year. The survey revealed that the most common freshman seminar types were extended orientation seminars, academic seminars with generally uniform academic content across sections, academic seminars on various topics, professional seminars, and basic study skills seminars. However, 30 percent of participants indicated that their seminar was actually a hybrid of two or more of these types. Essential characteristics of most seminars included an attempt to create a supportive peer group and meaningful interactions between each student and the instructor, and to improve student academic skills. The report also offers information on the history and theory of freshman seminar programming, qualitative data on seminar characteristics, case studies of model programs, and study implications. Also included is the survey instrument and a list of participating institutions that offer seminars. Includes 29 references. (JB)