The basic purpose of the present study was to study the effectiveness of using trained peers to lead small process groups in freshman orientation. A sample of 253 freshman students from East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma, were used for the experiment. The instrument used to determine whether perceptions of the college campus climate…

Intramural sports activities are used as an integral part of the freshman orientation program at Belmont Abbey College. The program organization and success are briefly described. (JMF)

Studied patterns of student declarations of major at a university at which one-third of incoming freshmen are undeclared. Findings for 449 students show that in the study period, 248 students had declared majors, with more than half of these choosing by their second or third semester, and almost all declaring with fewer than 46 credits. (SLD)

This "back to school" edition of College Connection features ideas and success stories from academic libraries that have welcomed first-year students in creative ways. Many libraries participate in campus orientation initiatives in order to introduce new students to the library as a welcoming place with helpful staff. These events can set a…

Freshmen Pre-Orientation Programs (FPOPs) can be powerful outreach tools for incoming college students and provide an exciting introduction to the field of engineering. The benefits reach not only the first year students, but also the upperclassmen who help to run the programs and the departments that sponsor them. A family of three engineering…

A survey of 49 colleges collected information about freshman wilderness orientation programs. Questions covered: (1) program goals; (2) activities to reach these goals; (3) follow-up goals and activities; (4) evaluation methods used; and (5) role and training of leaders. Institutional goals included program goals, personal growth goals, and social…

Describes an optional orientation program which provides a week-long live-in experience, along with a host of opportunities and experiences that support entrance into the university culture. (Author)

This article discusses the initial development tasks that greet the student making the transition from school to college. A three-session, structured group program is outlined for helping the new student meet these tasks systematically rather than haphazardly. (Author)

Transition into the college environment involves a range of issues not only for the entering student but also for the parent. The College Survival Test (CST) is a program designed to present a wide range of issues concerning college life that allows focused input by college officials and students. (Author)

Assessed the freshman orientation program at Stephen F. Austin State University in terms of academic success of participants. Data were obtained for freshman classes from 1986 to 1994, and results of data analyses indicated a significantly higher grade point average for those who attended orientation. (SLD)

Evaluated a freshman orientation program at a southeastern research university through questionnaires completed by 1,048 (80%) of the entering freshman class. Responses suggest that students themselves are not sure what orientation programs do or are supposed to do, although they were generally satisfied with the program. (SLD)

Examines the relationship between participation in an institution's freshman year experience course and student retention and success. Participating students were found to continue their enrollment to the fall term of their second year at a higher rate, complete more of the first academic year, earn higher cumulative grade point averages, and have…

Ten years of participants in Ohio University's freshman "University Experience" course (an extended orientation course) were compared with comparable nonparticipants on academic performance, student retention, and student graduation. For most years, participants' GPAs, retention rates, and graduation rates were higher. (EV)

This study examined the necessary elements for the development of a student orientation brochure for commuter students at Mount Vernon Nazarene College in Mount Vernon, Ohio. It reviewed nontraditional and commuter student literature and 10 commuter student brochures and orientation materials from other institutions. The orientation brochure that…