Abstract:
Attrition experts suggest that incoming students who closely identify themselves with other college students or groups will be less likely to drop out of college. Astin (1977) states that "Efforts to increase student involvement will not only enhance the student's ability to persist but will also intensify the impact of the undergraduate experience on the student's personality, behavior, career progress, and satisfaction." During the 1982 fall semester a program referred to as Ag Partners was initiated in the UN-L College of Agriculture. Ag Partners is a systematic college program that was designed to enhance the student's opportunity to personally identify with other students, student groups, and ultimately lower the attrition rate. Incoming freshmen are paired with a supportive upper class student who helps orient them to college, aquaints them with their advisor, introduces them to organizations and groups, and advises them on proper study habits.
Keywords:
retention, student involvement, ag partners, freshman
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