The freshmen orientation programs offered by the colleges and universities that hold membership in the Pittsburgh Council of Higher Education (PCHE) were studied, and recommendations for a comprehensive orientation process were suggested. Interviews with three individuals for each program at nine institutions were sought; attention was directed to: goals and philosophies, content and format, staffing problems, evaluations, funding, and changes over the past five years. Eleven of 19 institutional respondents stated that their orientation program had both developmental and service aspects. The administrators felt that students needed to be aware of the counseling center, career development office, and dean of student affairs. The most common objectives of PCHE orientation programs were to familiarize students with the physical environment, expose various resources, relieve anxiety, and assist the student in developing an identity and a relationship with peers. A developmental model of orientation was proposed by which an orientation committee composed of students, faculty, and staff would determine program goals and format. A list of 16 recommendations resulting from the study and a literature review are included. (SW)