Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

FRACTAL

FReshman Advising Connection for Teaching and Learning

Marcia Knutt

Alice Cherestes

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v19i1.2787

Keywords: McGill University, FRACTAL initiative, supportive, advising, freshmen, seminar, retention

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Abstract

McGill's Macdonald Campus FRACTAL program is a relatively new initiative that provides freshman (U0) students with the structure and academic skills necessary for a smooth transition into all aspects of university life. Central to this initiative are three leading factors: (a) the program director and the academic advisor are also professors for the majority of the freshman courses, (b) the freshman seminar course combines academic advising with study and life skills coaching, (c) an exhibition-style Majors' Fair at the end of freshman year displays the available programs of study. This integrated approach of teaching and (intrusive) advising, the use of STEM research-based best-practices, along with the latest teaching technology in the classroom, has drastically reduced the number of students on academic probation, while also increasing retention.