Two studies evaluated outcomes of a University Experience (freshman seminar) course to ease the transition to college and enhance student retention at the University of South Florida. In the first study, course evaluations of "typical" USF students (N=540) who completed the course in fall 1998 were overwhelmingly positive in support of the course's usefulness and helpfulness. In the second study, six matched groups of first time in college (FTIC) students from 1990 to 1995 cohorts who participated in the University Experience course were compared to similar students who were not enrolled. Comparison found that the groups who took the course scored consistently, and in many cases, substantially higher on all enrollment variables investigated. These were: retention to spring and 2nd fall semesters, total semesters enrolled, total cumulative student credit hours completed, mean hours enrolled, and spring and 2nd fall semester grade point average. Recommendations for such courses are offered. (DB)