First-Year ExperienceDavid Ross, Director

Background for FYE Programs

▫Nation-wide the majority of students drop out before completing 15 credits.

▫Research shows frequency of contact with faculty, staff and students is the best predictor of persistence.

Factors Associated with Lack of Success in College*

1. difficulty adjusting

2. experiencing academic and social difficulty

3. student expectations and the institutional expectations are incongruent

4. feeling socially isolated

* Based on research of Vincent Tinto

Components of Successful Programs•Advising –clear, consistent, and easily

accessible information

•Programs include academic, social and personal support

•Students feel they are valued members of the community

Bottom Line: Fitting in is critical

Greater the studentinvolvement

Greater the likelihood the student will persist

Title III

•Impact of Title III Activities▫7.7% increase in retention from year one to

year two

▫12% increase in retention from year one to year two of new HS graduates

Goals:

•To improve retention from year one to year two

•Ease the transition to campus

•Build a connection to campus/develop a sense of belonging

Overview of Activities

•Raritan Orientation, Advising, and Registration Session (R.O.A.R.S.)

•Weeks of Welcome (W.O.W.)•Welcome Stations•Student Success Programming•The College Experience•Success Partners•Early Alert and Intervention•First-Year Advising

Where We Are•Number of students who attended Orientation

▫Fall 2009 = 700+▫Fall 2008 = 326▫EOF Orientation

•The College Experience▫Record enrollment

EOF MATH 020 link

•Veterans

A Look Ahead

•Expand R.O.A.R.S.▫ Develop specialized sessions▫ Addition of on-line component

•Expand Early Alert▫ Faculty participation

•First-Year Advising▫ Individualized Academic Plans

•Assessment▫ Continue Focus Group Discussions▫ Assess our progress