This study explored the usefulness of variable measures gained from the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) as a way to predict student academic performance and identify potential at-risk students. First-year GPA was used as a measure to determine at-risk status and selected BCSSE variables and institutional data were examined as predictors of student performance. The target population included all first-time freshmen at a small, regional university in the south in the fall 2010, 2011, and 2012. The accessible population for the research questions on BCSSE completion included all students who completed the BCSSE in the given years of the study (N=2,007). The accessible population for the research questions on at-risk students included all entering freshmen who completed at least one year of enrollment (N=3,045). Results indicated that a large relationship exists between high school GPA and student performance as measured by first-year GPA. A statistically, but not practically significant relationship exists between selected BCSSE variables and student performance as measured by first-year GPA. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]