Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Regular Versus Shorter Orientation

A Comparison Study of Student Characteristics and Retention

Carla Abreu-Ellis

William Knight

Jason Brent Ellis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v15i2.2691

Keywords: Retention, facilitation, awareness, campus, facilities, services, student success, transition, four-year, university, community, retention, Brennan

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Abstract

This study compared college student characteristics of those who attended regular and shorter orientation sessions at a state university over a period of four years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and results indicated that significant differences existed between the students who attended the regular orientation and those who attended a shorter orientation. Further analysis using linear and logistic regression indicated that type of orientation session attended did not significantly affect the outcomes of retention, fall and spring grade point average (GPAs), and academic status beyond the effects of student background characteristics. Recommendations focused on college student experiences.