Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

In Their Own Words

The Perceived Benefits of Participation in the First Ascent Wilderness Orientation Program

Diane M. Waryold

J. Joy James

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v17i2.2720

Keywords: Psychosocial theory, Chickering, seven vectors, development, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), First Ascent, Appalachian State University, Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, Outward Bound, Astin, interpersonal, intrapersonal

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Abstract

Wilderness orientation programs, as a special type of orientation, have become commonplace at many colleges and universities. The First Ascent (FA) program is an example of one such program and is a small piece of a comprehensive first-year experience offered at Appalachian State University (ASU). This program evaluation is intended to uncover the meaning of First Ascent through students' voices. Specifically, this qualitative study used naturally occurring data as an unobtrusive measure to gether feedback from participants over the eight-year period in which First Ascent has been in existence. Analysis of the data revealed that students spoke of the interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of the experience as well as the importance of the natural world as a medium. Issues of personal welfare were notable but not prevalent.