Lincoln (Neb.) - Aug. 27, 1999 - A task force has released its recommendations on ways to improve the experience of first- year students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The Freshman Experience Task Force was assembled last year by Richard Edwards, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, as a step toward improving the freshman retention rate.
The task force of 23 faculty, staff and students met during the 1998-1999 academic year and came up with 13 recommendations on how to help freshman stay in school and succeed. Ted Pardy, professor of biological sciences and chair of the task force, said the group studied student surveys and read about programs at other universities.
"Our goal was not to tell the campus what to do but to look at what's out there, what's happening nationally and get some pilot projects going," Pardy said. "We designed things that could piggyback on programs we already have, things that need some minor tweaking and new programs that don't rely heavily on financial resources. Then it's roll up your sleeves time."
The task force recommendations include:
- Creation of a first-year seminar to introduce students to the academic community and the skills needed to be a successful student.
- An increase in the number of residential learning communities where students with common academic interests live and work together. Students in UNL's 11 learning communities have retention rates of 90 to 95 percent.
- Establishment of a committee to plan and implement a new
student orientation program that is academically centered and on-
going through the first semester.
Pardy said an open forum will be conducted this fall where
the task force hopes to gather "ideas, suggestions and helpful
criticism" that will appear as a supplement to the task force
report.
Part 1 of the "Report of the Freshman Year Experience Task
Force" is available on the World Wide Web
(http://www.unl.edu/svcaa/Activities/TF/FReport.html). The full
report is on reserve at Love and C.Y. Thompson libraries, or
interested parties may contact Nancy Stara, associate vice
chancellor for academic affairs, via e-mail (nstara@unl.edu).
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