This exploratory study examined the impact of three process groups for first-year, first-semester master's degree students (N = 20, total). The Group Environment Scale (GES; Moos 1994, 2002), Forms I (Ideal) and R (Real), were utilized to measure the participants' ideal perceptions and real perceptions of the small group environment. The overall results show that cohesion, leader support, task orientation, order/organization, and leader control were critical aspects of the experience. A group facilitator impact was found when comparing the results from the three different groups. Implications for group work training and future research are presented.