Intramural sports activities are used as an integral part of the freshman orientation program at Belmont Abbey College. The program organization and success are briefly described. (JMF)

Describes a study skills program for college freshmen that was based on information obtained from older college students about the problems they had encountered as entering freshmen. (FL)

Advocates making large-scale writing assessment consistent with the view that writing is fundamentally about making and sharing meaning. Argues that this is possible through a writing portfolio system of assessment. Describes how such a portfolio program was begun at the University of Michigan to assess beginning students. (HB)

Warns that trends toward early admissions require increasing counselor attention to the special needs and expectations of younger students. Uses the experience of Clarkson College of Technology to illustrate ways of helping students make decisions about early admission and make a smooth transition from high school to college. (JAC)

A Ball State University (Indiana) program to strengthen student retention involves a Freshman-Year Experience Committee of 40 professionals representing key units in academic and student affairs who collaborate to respond to the needs of first-year students. The committee has designed policies for freshman dismissal and midterm evaluation that are…

Described are the use of case-method teaching, educational competitions, and interactive computer-graphic instructional software to teach structural engineering concepts at the freshman level. Details of the instructional software used and the bridge competition are provided. (CW)

Orientation for first-year college students is important for students, parents, and the institution. It should fit institutional traditions, values, and culture, involve parents, be staffed by well-trained current students, and be carefully evaluated for improvement. Mississippi State University's program focuses on retention and is festive,…

This annual reference book presents descriptions of the approximately 350 colleges and universities with the highest proportion of incoming freshmen who come from the high-achieving group. The 1993-1994 edition describes 359 "leading colleges." An opening section discusses the guide's criteria for a competitive college, gives suggestions for…