In an effort to inform commuter students of services and programs on a regular basis, the University of Maine at Orono launched a campaign consisting of a newsletter and orientation sessions targeted directly at commuter students. The newsletter included topics of special interest to commuter students such as housing services, ridesharing, child…

Research supported by National Institute of Mental Health Grant No. MH14780-04. Findings were presented at the American Personnel and Guidance Association Convention, April, 1968.

Prior to their attendance at a summer orientation program, 339 students were mailed their own student profile, materials for its interpretation, and information on factors important in academic choices. A control group of 321 students received no mailed materials. Both groups subsequently participated in a standard orientation program, in which…

Examined the effect of orientation in altering concerns of new college students. Measured the change in level of student concern about academics, finances, physical layout, university structure, social integration and identity, housing, and social relationships. Results indicated that overall student concerns were reduced for the seven areas. (RC)

Examines the role of orientation programs from a student learning perspective and reviews current orientation programming practices. Argues that orientation programs facilitate the transition and integration of students into the college learning environment. Describes some exemplary orientation activities which demonstrate the varied aspects of…

A survey of 32 college students of color, faculty, and staff involved in related support groups found that the overall university climate remains unwelcoming despite programs to enhance their experience. It is concluded that there is a need to address the level of underlying belief structures of the university culture. (Author/MSE)

Incoming college students often find themselves overwhelmed by their coursework. Campus programs, such as cultural education and leadership training, are intended to aid students in their transition to the academic setting but can instead lead to further stress. Without unprogrammed time, students do not have a chance to analyze their thoughts…

We conducted an archival study of at-risk students who had "stopped out" of college for many reasons (academic dismissal, financial problems, personal problems, etc.) and who later were accepted to return to school. Approximately 27% of the accepted students chose not to return. Those who returned had higher grade point averages, had completed…

Results of student and parent assessments of a 1986 summer orientation at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, are presented. A total of 805 students and 372 parents completed an evaluation form that used a Likert scale. Of the 18 questions, 7 were identical for both students and parents. These concerned the overall rating of the…

Discusses model designed to provide effective academic, personal, and social support programs to minority college students. Describes model as intrusive and developmental in nature and able to be modified to accommodate groups of students with unique needs. Identifies model's three major areas of focus: academic and developmental monitoring, peer…

A questionnaire was developed to survey 120 students during the "Meet Your College" presentation of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Michigan State University, during "Welcome Week" in the fall of 1984. The data were analyzed to compare freshmen students with transfer students, male students with female…

A guide to implement, expand, or improve an extended college orientation course on campus is presented. Student success courses and extended orientation programs help students learn to be more effective in school and improve student performance and retention. These courses are sometimes designed for honors students, returning adults, athletes,…

Paper presented to the Presidents' and Deans' Workshop at the North Central Association Annual Meeting, March 25, 1969.

The experience of Ramapo College in removing barriers to handicapped students is reported. Among non-physical measures taken are: arrangements for limited-credit semesters; interviews and orientation; counseling; faculty sensitivity sessions; special physical education; and job placement. (Author/LBH)

Although costs inhibit large-scale change, many large institutions are moving toward improvements in undergraduate education, with some imitating some aspects of small colleges. Reduced class and section sizes, elaborate orientations, special freshman groups, and courses in which faculty share cutting-edge research with freshmen and sophomores are…