Researchers have begun to analyze community college retention data in terms of students' stated objectives upon entry. By categorizing students based upon their most important reason for attending college, meaningful follow-up and assessment of students' goal attainment can be conducted. Program evaluation studies have produced evidence that…

The Student Assistants' Program (SAP) was implemented at Bronx Community College (BCC) (New York) to reduce attrition between admission and the first day of classes. The principal objective of the program is to train presently enrolled students to provide individual assistance to entering freshmen. These student assistants help new students with…

The 1993 book, "Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The At-Risk Student in the Open-Door College," provided a status report on community college responses to at-risk students, or students who possess academic, social, and economic problems that challenge their success in college. In addition to providing a brief history of at-risk programs and…

Valencia Community College in Florida developed a holistic approach to improve student retention during the period October 1987 through September 1992. Two of the major thrusts of the retention project were the development of an extended orientation course about student success (SLS 1122) and the development of a faculty mentoring program. Study…

In two surveys of freshmen students, academic needs were found to be of primary importance, compared to social and personal needs. Results provide clear direction for orientation program planners to emphasize the student's academic experience, with indications that a higher retention rate for the institution may result. (Author/JAC)

Springfield (Massachusetts) Technical Community College targets nontraditional students for cooperative education with strategies for ensuring successful placements (preco-op seminar, information interviews, job shadowing), linkages with the Division of General Studies, and a special freshman orientation program. (SK)

In 1996, Ohio's Terra Community College undertook a project to substantiate the need for a comprehensive orientation program and to develop such a program, including a pre-college session and a college orientation class. Information was gathered through a literature review, suggesting that orientation creates a bond between the student and the…

A study was conducted at Sacramento City College to determine the effect of "College Success" (CS), an extended orientation class, on students' academic performance and persistence. The study included three groups of students: 116 students enrolled in CS, 104 students who attended a 4-hour New Student Orientation (NSO), and 84 students who…

Approaches for developing or improving programs for better recruitment and retention of adults are suggested. It is noted that self-improvement and career-enhancement are among the strongest motivations for adults to continue their education. Adults need accurate information about college attendance and assurance that they can compete, along with…

This document discusses the challenges community colleges, particularly urban ones, face in delivering education to their first-generation, immigrant, economically disadvantaged, non-white, limited-English-ability, and other non-traditional students. These challenges can be exacerbated by students' failure to connect and become involved in college…

This paper describes the impact of one college's Freshman Orientation Week (FOW) just prior to the fall semester as the first component of an academic achievement and retention enhancement program for at-risk students, The Learning Circle (TLC). TLC provided cognitive, metacognitive, affective, and behavioral skills and literacy training in five…

Describes a program for more effective academic advising called "Freshman Dialogue" where small groups of freshmen meet weekly with a trained faculty advisor for an intensive orientation to the university. Provides various rewards for both students and faculty. Results indicate the program was enthusiastically received and retention improved.…

Proposes human potential seminars on topics such as "study skills" or "library use" as alternatives to traditional freshman orientation courses. Examines the implementation of the seminars at Lurleen B. Wallace Junior College and discusses their effectiveness in improving the self-concept and retention of high-risk students.…

The experiences of 397 freshmen at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, were studied, along with the ways in which the university programs and services affect student commitment to the university. Based on a telephone interview, findings include the following: many freshmen had little contact with major university services designed to orient…

The effectiveness of the Plattsburgh Freshman Seminar program, which was designed to increase student retention, was evaluated. The 45 hour, three credit program was designed to help students clarify educational and personal goals, to increase faculty-student contact, to develop communication skills, and to familiarize the student with the…