Institutional data were used to examine the grades and retention of first-year students in 2 types of living learning communities--Academic Theme Floors (ATFs) and Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs)--and a First-Year Experience (FYE) course. Multiple regression revealed students in FIGs earned nominally higher GPAs (standardized [beta] = 0.02, p less…

This article examines the relationship between online social networking (OSN) and perceptions of academic and social integration for first-year residential students at a rural regional comprehensive university. Students spent an average of 2.5 hours on OSN websites per day, primarily interacting with campus peers, friends and family. There was…

This article documents the results of a qualitative study of the perceptions of 14 first-semester college men about interacting with faculty outside of class. The research site was a large, public doctoral extensive institution in the Midwest. Each of the men participated in three depth interviews (Miller & Crabtree, 2004) that sought to explore…

Presents a case study of four, first-generation, working-class White male freshmen who discuss their perceptions of the purpose of college. Perceptions are analyzed using Chickering's sixth vector, Developing Purpose. Data indicate the students consider college to be primarily a place that prepares them for work, supporting Chickering and…

Examines the relationship between sense of community as perceived by freshman African American students at predominantly White public institutions and the intent of these students to re-enroll. Findings indicate that students who did not intend to re-enroll had a significantly lower mean College and University Community Inventory score on one…

Discusses a model using intentionally structured groups in freshmen seminars. Proposes that collaborative efforts among academic departments and student affairs practitioners can enhance students' academic and intellectual development. Presents a rationale for how collaboration offers special opportunities for promoting positive educational and…

Examines student perceptions of separation, transition, and incorporation within the context of retention and attrition models. Interviews with nine freshman students over the course of a single academic year revealed each stage as a dual process that balanced student experiences. Makes recommendations for counselors. (RJM)

Examines the enrollment and persistence decisions of 674 applicants accepted at one university in the fall of 1992. Results indicate that the university is fulfilling community needs for place-bound students, women students, full-time students, and those students needing a supportive environment. Illustrates how research on aid can benefit…

Describes one university's effort to promote campus diversity through a required freshman course. Discusses the three goals set for the course, outlines the method of evaluation used, describes the course's effects on student attitudes and beliefs, and reports student and faculty satisfaction regarding the course. (RJM)

Investigated relationships between aspects of student athletes' psychosocial development and perceptions of university residence environment. Student athletes (n=53) enrolled in first-year orientation class completed Student Developmental Task and Lifestyle Inventory and University Residence Environment Scale. Findings revealed that student…

Contends that orientation must be organized to address changing student needs. Presents comprehensive orientation model for 1990s which includes preorientation, first-year orientation day or week, orientation course, follow-up, multiculturalism, programs for parents/spouses, and evaluation. Concludes that multifaceted approach to orientation can…

Administered anonymous questionnaires examining behavior and attitudes toward drugs to random sample of 410 incoming college freshmen in 1973 and to 491 incoming freshmen in 1983. Comparison of results from the two years suggests that drug use in general is on the decline, with exception of alcohol and beer, and cigarettes for women. (NB)

Implemented pilot career planning workshop at one university. Workshop has been offered every year since 1982 in conjunction with first-year orientation. Research on 83 students (experimental, control, and comparison groups) was conducted to establish workshop effectiveness. Found that workshop was effective for improving student retention only…

Examined relationship between developmental tasks and academic achievement among first-term college freshmen (n=83) enrolled in program for students at risk. Results support limited relationship between growth on developmental tasks of young adulthood and academic performance of university freshmen. Sex differences also were found on predictors of…

Derived profiles of college students likely to be retained versus not retained from sample of 934 entering freshmen who completed general attitudinal questionnaire containing noncognitive item measuring positive self-concept. Results pointed to several important differences between potential persister and nonpersister students. Gender differences…