<p>Looks like Iowa's revamping the first-year experience to improve retention. I can't quite tell if this is effective for incoming 2010 frosh or not, however:</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure this is the direction for future classes, but that it does not apply to the Class of 2014, since the LLC’s, orientation and move-in days, etc. are all already scheduled. Details on the proposals are available via a Google search. </p>
<p>There is a college transitions course that I think is available for everyone, although it looks like they are trying to expand it for future years. The first-year seminars that area already in place also look really interesting. It is probably too late to expand orientation and welcome-week for this year. The 4 year graduation plan looks good. Finally, I think the courses-in-common are a good idea if there is one that fits for one’s interests and schedule. </p>
<p>I think that it a very good sign that Iowa is focusing a lot of attention on the freshman experience, retention, etc. The current administration seems to be pretty good about id’ing issues, moving quickly to gather input and then implement actions. But it does take some time to implement change on a campus the size of Iowa.</p>
<p>What you say makes perfect sense, funyet. Orientation is just a few weeks away, and having heard nothing of all these initiatives in spite of my modestly informed (ugh!) status I should’ve suspected them to be for future classes.</p>
<p>But while they don’t technically apply to my son, I do find some comfort in the fact that they confirm some of my own beliefs about involvement, living with like-minded people, etc. I’ve been preaching my “2 points of engagement” theory (my kids LOVE all my theories!! Not.) which says that, in addition to the dorm living situation, a student should engage or involve with the school in at least two additional ways, be they club sport or organization or volunteering. I tell my son that for every thing he joins he instantly has 20 new friends (OK, so I make up these numbers but you know…) who probably don’t overlap the other 20 from the other thing(s) they join. And so it grows multiplicatively.</p>
<p>I developed this theory after reflecting on my own miserable first year at another Big Ten school in the middle of the farm belt, where I involved myself in nothing and was somehow surprised to find myself having no fun. And I was a retention statistic! By spring break I had applied to another school and was gone.</p>
<p>beastman, I also attended a large Big Ten school, and I completely agree that at such large schools, you are better off creating your own virtual community. Sometimes it happens “organically” in the dorms or in classes, but getting involved definitely helps. </p>
<p>Your suggestion of things like club sports are good. I also forgot to mention PickOne, which is a program whereby Iowa asks each freshman to choose one extra-curricular program. </p>
<p>So LLC’s, first year seminars, club/intramural sports, courses-in-common, etc are all good ways to meet other freshmen.</p>