Worked to improve the first-year experience for all students on campus. Changes were made to the orientation process and efforts were made to share more information about first-year programs across the university.

I have always been concerned about the adjustment of new students. I wrote a handbook of best practices with the support of Bob Cook and I am currently on the First-Year Experience Programming Committee.

The Orientation period was shortened by one day, more small group activities planned and fewer huge events scheduled that might have initmidated or alienated a more introverted student. This reached almost all the freshmen and new undergraduate students.

In addition, I convened a meeting of all university first-year experience directors and teachers on October 4, 2007. Attendees included representatives from Applied Economics and Management, Animal Science, Communication, and the Office of Academic Programs. Each attendee explained the goals of their program and the content covered. There was some discussion about doing more combined programs, such as co-sponsoring outside speakers. The goal of all these activities is greater student retention. There is some statistical support for success.