This chapter applies the concept of narrative identity to college student development. The authors describe a narrative interview method that can be used to promote the development of a purposeful life story in the college years.

This chapter explains the meaning of meaning-making for the quarterlife generation. It describes what is called the meaning-quest--consisting of nine core meaning-making questions--and offers two examples of the pedagogy that the authors use in working with students.

Retention research shows that the highest amount of attrition occurs around the freshman year. Freshman-year programs designed to support students in their academic and social development and to involve them more deeply with the education process are described. (MLW)

The synergy among quality education, student development, and retention as goals for an educational institution provided the impetus for a group of colleges and universities to form a 12-institution consortium. The preeminent requirement for success along all three paths was collaboration between the academic and student affairs domains. (MLW)