Following the theory that a community of practice must be comprised of three elements: domain, community, and practice (Wenger, 2001), this case study examines the extent to which a university was successful in establishing a community of learners in their orientation program for online graduate students. Specifically, it explores the objectives…

At the Fayette Campus of Pennsylvania State University (which offers the first two years of baccalaureate education), volunteering faculty members are selected to serve as academic counselors during freshmen orientation on the basis of their student-orientation, motivation, realistic perspective on counseling objectives, and their willingness to…

A study was conducted at Foothill College (California) during Fall 1978 and Spring 1979 to determine the effect of different approaches to pre-registration counseling on students' academic success and degree of satisfaction with their college experience. Four groups of 50 randomly selected, first-time, full-time students were involved in the…

The University 101 concept as a method for improving university teaching and learning is described, with emphasis on the faculty training program, although the approach also includes a three-credit-hour freshman orientation course. The structure, content, outcomes, and research findings on the University 101 program are examined. The approach was…

This curriculum guide offers a broad range of activities for a one-semester college freshman orientation course covering topics chosen based on research findings and a survey of vocational rehabilitation counselors and college instructors who teach deaf and hard of hearing students. Instructional activities stress "active doing" rather than…

An extensive review of the literature and a campus-based study found high levels of stress resulting from parenting, financial, age and health concerns for adult women students enrolled at community colleges. Presents recommendations and suggestions to help: day care, orientation, academic and financial aid advising, peer advisers, healthy…

This book describes significant issues and trends in the evolution of student affairs and reviews current methods and models of practice. The chapters are: (1) "The Philosophical Heritage of Student Affairs," by Stan Carpenter, reviewing the relationship between educational philosophy and student services; (2) "A History of Student Affairs," by…

In 1985-86, Northern Michigan College (NMC) used funds received from the United States Department of Education to develop a system of assessment, advisement, and placement--Placement/Advisement for Student Success (PASS), an integrated system designed to improve student retention. PASS currently consists of three components: summer orientation,…

A study was conducted at Sacramento City College (SCC) to determine the effects of enrolling in a first-semester student success course on academic performance and persistence. Matched pairs of students, one who took the semester-long success course and one who did not, were compared in terms of number of college credit hours completed, grade…

This publication provides an overview of the multilateral conventions, bilateral conventions, and unilateral decisions on the recognition of higher education entrance, intermediate, and final qualifications which are in force in Economic Community Member States. The material collected originates mainly from three sources: (1) the study…

At Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) in New York, the student body is 55% Black, 29% Hispanic, 7% Asian, and 9% White and other ethnic groups. Placement testing indicates that 70% of entering freshmen require some form of remediation. As part of BMCC's efforts to improve first-year retention rates, students requiring remediation have…

During 1987-88, Manor Junior College, in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, developed a semester-long freshman seminar designed to help students understand the college system, to strengthen students' identification with their vocational program and career choice, and to improve students' academic competencies and confidence in their ability to achieve…

Student recruitment and retention at small colleges are considered, and Brunswick Foundation's Small College Program is described. An overview considers problems of small colleges (those with enrollments of 2,000 and less), and the Foundations's approach to meeting the needs of small colleges. The Foundation's Small College Program, which provides…

Issues in distance education at the tertiary level in Australia are addressed in three papers. The need to provide mature students with information before course attendance is discussed by Edward R. Reid-Smith in "Why Educational Advisory Services for Mature Students?" During 1982-1984, new external students at Riverina College of…

A facilitator's manual for the Summer Transition Enrichment Program at Bowling Green State University is presented. The overall objectives of the program are: (1) to facilitate the transition of entering freshmen into the academic and cultural life of the university; and (2) to assist students in their personal growth and adjustment to the…