The Students Serving Students Program is a unique and flexible orientation program designed to meet the needs of a large commuter population at Youngstown State University. The program is staffed by 20 upperclass students who contact all first-year and transfer students prior to the opening day of classes. Staff serve as peer resources throughout…

Describes the planning and implementation of an experimental program at Grambling State University to increase the persistence of 12 college freshmen by teaching them to manage matriculation-oriented tasks, such as course registration and withdrawal, in regularly scheduled group meetings and individual counseling sessions. Reviews benefits. (DMM)

Discusses development of the LTH (Lund Institute of Technology) program, which combines an orientation process with a support system to help new students in their transition from secondary school to university studies. Essential components of the program seek to stimulate the learning process of students, while encouraging them to find a balance…

A study was conducted at Phillips County Community College (PCCC) to analyze the impact of freshman orientation classes on students' persistence and academic performance. The participants in the study were all first-time, full-time freshmen who entered PCCC during the fall 1982, spring 1983, or fall 1983 semesters. During the registration process,…

Examines reasons for community colleges' return to mandatory testing and placement in courses/programs where students have a reasonable expectation of success. Looks at the use and success of other retention strategies, including orientation programs, tutors, and integrated support services. (DMM)

This study examined the effects of an introductory counseling course on retention rates of students at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Rates of graduation after 4, 5, and 6 years for 400 freshmen and 474 sophomores enrolled in an academic orientation and preparation course between 1990 and 1994 were compared with WKU and regional rates during…

Reviews retention research and examines programs that use freshman orientation courses and student leadership development as components in aiding retention. Concludes that overall awareness of university and its resources and integration into academic and social aspects of college life seem to be key factors in student retention. (Author/ABL)

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…

The design and rationale for the University of South Carolina's required credit-bearing freshman orientation course are described, and ways in which the course offering could be made better are discussed. (MSE)

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 study examining wilderness orientation programs for incoming college freshmen surveyed 57 program leaders. Findings indicate that most programs supported social over academic goals and that assessment was informal and after the fact. Recommendations include revising stated goals and encouraging faculty participation if student retention is the…

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,…

This manual consists of forms and guidelines for use in administering the adult basic education teaching/learning management system called CUBE (Continuity and Unity in Basic Education). Provided in the manual are a variety of orientation forms, including daily attendance records, enrollment forms, publication release forms, and fact sheets on the…

Pace University's efforts to attract and retain adult students include contacting nonmatriculated students to encourage commitment and resolve problems and contacting part-time students the first semester they stop attending. The results of the university taking the initiative have been increased retention and greater information about student…

A series of studies at one university based on annual data from 1973-88 compared sophomore return rates of participants vs. nonparticipants in freshman orientation seminars. Participants achieved significantly higher return rates in 11 of 16 years but not because they were brighter or more highly motivated students. (Author/MSE)