Data showed that (a) it is possible to design programs that result in statistically significant differences in mean GPA by group and in level of knowledge about a campus, and (b) voluntary withdrawal and academic dismissal are not affected by orientation programs. (Author)

Studied effects of four types of orientation approaches on disadvantaged Black freshmen students' attitudes toward discussing problems with counseling center staff, knowledge of counseling center services, and perceived use of the counseling center to discuss problems in the future. Showed small group orientation the most effective method. (RC)

Reasons for the failure of special programs to help college freshmen adjust to school are analyzed. (JD)

Examines the perceived needs of incoming freshmen on a newly created instrument, the Freshman Survey. The instrument contains four scales with items related to personal/emotional, social, academic, and career needs. Freshmen indicated higher pre- and post-orientation needs on the academic and career scales. Also discusses student needs with…

A study of first-year University of South Carolina students indicating interest in a orientation course found that of the 77 enrolling and 80 not allowed to enroll, a higher retention rate was found among enrollees. Results indicate the course is successful in increasing retention rates among interested students. (Author/MSE)

First-year engineering students at Robert Gordon University (Scotland) were presented with a task-oriented induction program. Students were divided into groups and assigned a facilitator, later personal tutor, to whom they could refer. Student reaction to the experience was very favorable. Effect on progression rates is yet to be determined. (AEF)

In response to demographic changes among entering college students, more and more colleges are offering freshman orientation courses that have come to be known as "College 101." At Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, a course called COL 101 was begun in 1985. A survey of teachers of the course investigated speech or oral…

This article deals with a new approach to freshman orientation that involves faculty, upperclass student leaders, and freshmen. Through the use of mini-classes, social activities, and communication workshops, the freshman is aided in (a) adapting to the college classroom; (b) adapting to the college community; and (c) self-exploration. (Author)

This report describes the Summer Transitional Program (STP) at Duke University as analyzed by the principal leadership of the program and by others who participated in its evaluation. The program, initiated in the summer of 1969, was designed to provide academic and social orientation for approximately 40 participants. Evaluation of the 1969,…

Orientation 1 is an 8-week pass/fail course to aid freshmen in college adjustment at West Virginia University. The course is taught by university volunteers in a team teaching approach and has no uniform syllabus except the problems of students. (PG)

Reviews recent data on computing and information literacy research skills of new college students and describes results from an Internet skills proficiency test administered to freshmen during a summer orientation at Ohio State University. Considers technological preparedness in regard to race, class, gender, and academic background. (Author/LRW)

Updated description of 38 wilderness orientation programs currently affiliated with U.S. colleges and universities includes program enrollment, length, cost, types of leaders, training, and sponsorship. Discusses program philosophies, goals, reasons for using the wilderness, and critical and emerging issues. Compares data to previous research.…

A survey completed by 105 incoming college freshmen at Arkansas State University evaluated the new student orientation program. The orientation program consisted of the following activities and sessions: President's Reception, Playfair (an icebreaker), Meet the Dean, Tips from the Professor, Greek Life Picnic, Student Services/Educational…

First-year students taking developmental courses need the kind of guidance a freshman seminar can provide when the advice is directly relevant to their progress. An alternative to assigning a heterogeneous group of students to an academic advisor is to offer a course which enriches the key elements of a freshman seminar while applying the standard…

The purpose of this report is to aid those involved in the orientation of freshmen by providing insights about expectations and myths that entering students bring to campus. The author suggests that the best, but impossible method of understanding the entering freshman would be a personal interview. An alternate approach is the Student Orientation…