Evaluation of a summer transition program at the University of Kansas found that, in general, participation did not have a significant effect on students' later grade point averages or retention rates. However, for students with lower academic preparation, there was a significant improvement in academic and social self-efficacy. Qualitative…

Use of upper-class students in college freshmen orientation program leadership roles is proposed. Leadership qualities that can be promoted include planning, delegation, communication, decision making, situational analysis, relationship building, initiative, risk taking, stress management, and program evaluation. Two program models are proposed,…

A study at Cape Technikon (South Africa) investigated college choice decision making by surveying 923 applicants during the application process and 314 enrollees during orientation. Results show demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of applicants and enrollees differ, applicants consider multiple institutions, alumni and friends are the…

Describes a study conducted at four North Carolina community colleges of the relationship between completion of an orientation by new students, higher retention, and grade point averages. Indicates that completing an orientation course during the first term of enrollment promotes and improves student performance regardless of age, gender, race,…

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,…

Discusses community college efforts to assess student needs, increase persistence, and enhance transfer education, offering recommendation on the provision of guidance and counseling, opportunities for faculty-student interaction, and orientation programs. Questions current definitions of transfer effectiveness. Asserts that students themselves…

Interinstitutional collaboration can help educators in local communities identify and respond to the unique challenges they face. Student support services at high schools and community colleges can work together to design programs (e.g. new student orientations, counselor-to-counselor activities, staff development) to assist students in their…

A survey of 25 international students studying in Massachusetts colleges gathered information on 4 specific aspects of their American college experience (recruitment, orientation, adaptation, and acculturation) as well as about their experiences with English. In interviews, nine students said they had had no problems with the English language;…

Following the theory that a community of practice must be comprised of three elements: domain, community, and practice (Wenger, 2001), this case study examines the extent to which a university was successful in establishing a community of learners in their orientation program for online graduate students. Specifically, it explores the objectives…

An extensive review of the literature and a campus-based study found high levels of stress resulting from parenting, financial, age and health concerns for adult women students enrolled at community colleges. Presents recommendations and suggestions to help: day care, orientation, academic and financial aid advising, peer advisers, healthy…

Questionnaires examined perceptions of Victoria parents (178); principals (36); K,1,3,4 teachers (186) about children's orientation to kindergarten and K-1 and 3-4 transitions. Results cover initial adjustment to school, orientation programs, difficulty making transitions, reasons for difficulty, K-1 transition classes, shortened kindergarten days…

Analysis of data from 5 years shows that students enrolled in the Dalton Junior College (Georgia) first-year seminar, although similar to a comparison group in age, sex, standardized entrance test scores, degree objectives, and group grade point average, attempted more course hours, showed a higher retention rate, completed more hours, and had a…

A study investigated the cost effectiveness of a Seton Hall University (New Jersey) freshman studies program designed to improve retention, stabilize enrollments, and enrich campus life. Data were analyzed from short- and long-term perspectives. Results indicate that, despite increasing costs, the program is a cost-effective approach to student…

For colleges and universities to recruit transfers from community colleges, they must make the academic transition smooth and easy, by identifying student needs and offering services tailored to meet them. Such services may include special orientations, career planning services, student personnel services, clear credit transfer policies, and…

Los Angeles Trade Technical College and the Los Angeles Unified School District have collaborated in several ways to help ethnically diverse, urban school children prepare for and make the transition to college. Document describes collaboration details, including customized academic and vocational partnerships, outreach efforts and college…