Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Wilderness Pursuit Programs

An Orientation Paradigm

Gwen Fears

Mark S. Denke

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v9i1.2533

Keywords: Challenges, issues, first-year, students, higher education, institutions, orientation, trends, retention, programs, activities, liability, structure, evaluation

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Abstract

Orientation programs need effective activities for integrating new students into the campus in which they have chosen to further their education. As students continue to change and institutions strive to meet the needs of students, alternative methods of presenting students with information to assist them in their transition is necessary. One area of programming that has become increasingly popular over the last several years is the integration of wilderness pursuits and outdoor opportunities with the somewhat traditional orientation activities.