Exploring the Developmental Outcomes of First-Year Experience Seminars (in-progress)

Abstract

A substantial amount of research shows that the first year of college is a “make or break” time for most students, with an estimated 60% of incoming students withdrawing before the beginning of their sophomore year (Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005). Additional research also shows that 2/3 of students’ gains in cognitive and intellectual skill occur during their first year (Pascarella and Terenzini, 2005). Finding like this have led to the nearly universal use of First Year Experience (FYE) Seminars.