Students' Adjustment to College

A Comparison of Orientation Program Attendees and Non-Attendees

David Deggs

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v18i2.2752

Keywords: Orientation, transition, programs, academic, social, assistance, faculty, staff, adjustment, college, freshmen, experiences


Abstract

Summer orientation programs are one of the most common methods utilized by colleges and universities to promote adjustment to college and retention of first-time freshmen. Not all students take advantage of orientation programs, although the programs are often applauded for their essential role in easing students' adjustment to college. This study sought to compare first-time freshmen who attended an orientation program with first-time freshmen who did not attend the orientation program in regards to their campus knowledge and experience. The first-time freshman class at an exclusively undergraduate four-year university was surveyed. The results of the data analysis indicated that there was not a statistically significant difference between first-time freshmen who attended the orientation program and those who did not, except in regards to their participation in and attendance at campus activities. This result underscores the value that students place on the social components of college as it relates to student transition and retention.

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