Students entering high school as freshmen bring with them a variety of issues, problems and strengths. Often, students are uncertain about their academic abilities, their social-selves, and their chances of success in a new environment. Even freshmen with positive educational experiences and a strong sense of self-need support and guidance during…

This paper reports on the use of qualitative methods to determine first-year student perceptions of the Orientation program delivered by North Carolina State University. One hundred thirty freshmen were interviewed, in groups of 6 to 10, to learn about their orientation experiences, and why they felt some sessions were helpful, and where sessions…

The 18 author contributed papers examine orientation programs for foreign college and university students studying in the United States and for U.S. students preparing to study abroad. The marriage of theory and practice in addressing the two major issues of: (1) lack of agreement on standards for orientation; and (2) the common lack of student…

Suffolk Community College Eastern Campus (SCCEC) designed and implemented a retention program built on the belief that access for students does not necessarily lead to success. The goal of the retention program was to increase retention of students by providing them with the skills and supports necessary to succeed. The group targeted for the…

The relationships between features of general education programs/services and student persistence rates and test score gains are examined, based on a study conducted during 1976-1982 by the College Outcome Measures Project. In addition, the costs of general education and measurement of its effectiveness are briefly addressed. The study of 44…

Findings and recommendations of a University of Alberta task force study on the mature student are presented. Study objectives were as follows: to identify the characteristics of the mature student population at the university, to identify major concerns and needs of this population, to determine to what extent the university meets the needs of…

The principal of a newly opened elementary school implemented a practicum study designed to unify faculty, parents, staff, and children; add direction to the program; develop a sense of purpose; and increase participation. It was expected that a vision statement would be developed in the school's first year of operation, and that parents and staff…

In 1984-85, Miami-Dade Community College's (MDCC's) North Campus developed a one-credit orientation course (SLS 1101) to provide students with information and college-level skills before they encounter problems. A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of SLS 1101 in reducing attrition and increasing grade point average (GPA) over the…

Drawing from information submitted by 60 urban, rural, and suburban institutions, this report documents the progress of California's community colleges in implementing the first phase of a statewide matriculation plan. Introductory material defines matriculation as a process that promotes and sustains the efforts of students to reach their…

The efficiency and effectiveness of using a group approach to advising by a team of faculty advisors were evaluated in 1980-81 at the General College, University of Minnesota. Group/team advising was compared to individualized, one-to-one advising of first-semester freshmen in terms of student satisfaction with advising, student understanding of…

A Memphis State University Program to familiarize prospective students and other college-bound students with academic and service information regarding college attendance is described. The program is designed to ease the transition from high school to college, to identify resources available at the university, to improve the university's public…

Proper student recruitment and retention programs can bring about sustained institutional holding power and subsequently greater financial solvency. In establishing such a program, the following premises should be accepted: (1) retention begins with recruitment of prospective graduates; (2) a high quality educational advisement program leads to…

The effects of the mandated quarter system and the expanded and revised high school curriculum were assessed in Austin, Texas, based upon achievement test scores, attendance records, and objectively collected opinion data in seven areas of concern. The seven decision questions which affected allocation of funds, personnel, time and material…

The aim of this study was to identify the best way to prepare and give support to Western Australian teachers when they assume their first appointments. Subjects included 15 percent of all new teacher appointments in the state of Western Australia in 1977. These were interviewed personally, as were their principals and superintendents. The…

The replacement of a five-year comprehensive high school by schools at the intermediate and senior high levels created problems for students and staff members. A formal program of practices and procedures was developed to assist the students as they move through the organizational breaks that occur between the elementary and intermediate school…