This monograph offers seven case studies and supporting papers on university colleges and undergraduate divisions and their role in shaping the freshman college experience. An introductory section offers a preface, information on the authors and a first chapter "University Colleges Today" by Diane W. Strommer which examines the implications of an institutional unit for freshmen and reports on a survey of university colleges conducted during 1991 and 1992. Chapter 2, "An Historical Perspective (Ohio University)" by Samuel Crowl, looks at how the University College at Ohio University has served students for nearly 60 years. Chapter 3, "The Retention of Students (Ball State University)" (Indiana) by Barbara Weaver, examines the evolution over the past decade of the University College specifically designed to retain students. Chapter 4, "Coherence through Coordinated Advising (The Pennsylvania State University)" by Eric White depicts an undergraduate division developed to provide coherence in a large, diverse, research university. Chapter 5, "Flexibility at a Comprehensive University (The Ohio State University)" by Thomas L. Minnick describes how this large university assists students in coping with the choices and changes at a multiversity. Chapter 6, "Valuing the First-Year Student (Butler University)" (Indiana) by Marilyn K. Spencer, describes how a university college functions within a relatively small, private university, particularly in the college's mission to manage a core curriculum. Chapter 7, "Constancy, Change, and Campus Politics (University of Rhode Island)" by Diane W. Strommer, discusses some of the political issues surrounding university colleges especially at the University of Rhode Island. Chapter 8, "Supporting Students in the Historically Black University" (Alabama A&M University and others)" by Fran Johnson, addresses the role of the university college in the historically black university. Chapter 9, "The Differences Made: A Sampler and Data from Institutions with No Freshman College" and Chapter 10, "Issues for New University Colleges" both by Diane W. Strommer, draw conclusions about how university colleges make a difference. Appendixes contain the Association of Deans & Directors of University Colleges & Undergraduate Studies constitution, guidelines for oversubscribed or impacted programs, and sample mission statements and organization charts. (Contains 35 references.) (JB)