A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted within the measurement portion of a structural equation model (SEM) looking at first time, full time freshmen's perceptions, commitments, and behaviors in the early part of the first fall semester. Survey items collected within the first three to five weeks of the initial fall semester were found to load into the factors of Commitment to the Institution, Academic Self-Efficacy, Academic Resiliency, Peer Connections, Social Integration, and Academic Integration. These factors where then found to be related to the student success variables of first fall GPA and second fall retention. A proposed structural component of a future SEM is presented utilizing Alexander Astin's (1993) Inputs-Environments-Outputs framework. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]