References and Resources

Abstract

The first year of college is a critical time of transition for most students. Tinto reminds us that “the largest proportion of institutional leaving occurs in the first year….” For this reason, it is important that institutions pay particular attention to their first-year students. This topical highlights the characteristics of first-year students and the role advising plays in their persistence. Specific topics include reasons why students drop out; characteristics of Millennials; freshman expectations vs. experience; freshman needs and tasks; how advisors can help first-year students; delivery systems for first-year advising; and what first-year students expect from college staff.

References and Resources

Bigger, J.J. (2005). Improving the odds for freshman success. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site:

Erickson, B.L. and D.W. Strommer (1991). Teaching College Freshmen. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Fleming, W.J.Bruce, Howard, Kelly, Perkins, Elizabeth, Pesta, Michael. Retrieved April 16, 2012 from The Mentor: An Academic Advising Journal Web site:

Gardner, J, Alexander, J., Beyond Retention: A Comprehensive Approach to the First College Year. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from

Generations. Retrieved on May 31, 2007, from

Gordon, V.N., W.R. Habley, & Associates (2000) Academic advising: A comprehensive handbook. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Hansen, R.S. 25 tips to help you survive and thrive your freshman year. Retrieved April 16, 2012, from

Hunter, M.S., B. McCalla-Wriggins, and E.R. White, (eds.) (2006). Academic advising: New insights for teaching and learning in the first year. (NACADA Monograph No. 14). Manhattan, KS: National Academic Advising Association.

Kramer, G.L. (2000). Advising students at different educational levels. In V.N. Gordon and W.R. Habley, Academic advising: A comprehensive handbook. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Lancaster, L. and D. Stillman. When generations collide. New York: HarperCollins, 2002.

Light, R.J. Making the most of college: Students speak their minds. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2001.

Pew Research Center Report. Millennials: A Portrait of Generation Next. Retrieved April 16, 2012 from

Pryor, John, DeAngelo, Linda, Palucki Blake, Laura, Hurtado, Sylvia, Tran, Serge. The American Freshman: National Norms Fall 2011. Retrieved April 16, 2012 from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program Web site:

Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student leaving. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Tinto, V. Taking retention seriously: Rethinking the first year of college. In NACADA Journal, 1999, 19(2), 5-9.

*Special thanks to NACADA colleagues Peggy King, Wes Habley,Nancy King, Terry Musser, Kathy Stockwell, Patrick Toney, Jo Anne Huber for collaboration in preparation of these materials.