This experience has created the know-how and momentum for taking off with a more comprehensive proposal. A quarter of our incoming freshmen are undecided and we suspect that many more are unclear about the major they have chosen. Frequently this indecision leads to longer time to degree, dissatisfaction due to a lack of directions, inappropriate course decisions, and withdrawal from college. Using the Learning Communities concept some groups will focus on career counseling, as well as other areas. One of our fall pilot groups had this focus and has been enthusiastically attended and appreciated.
Commuters are another group that the research indicates are at risk.
These students find connecting with the college, an academic program, or a particular instructor more difficult unless they become involved in extracurricular activities. Again, the Learning Communities concept has been applied to a pilot group this fall with great success. These students are planning to continue to take some courses together and meet for lunch in second semester. This idea originated among the UNS Recruitment and Retention Committee and Residential Life Staff as a way to combine some efforts. When a student graduates she or he will receive a Leadership Transcript that highlights these activities.