The Impact of First-Year Seminars on College Retention Rates: A Meta-Analytical Review

• In Event: 31.092 - Poster Session 5
  In Poster Session: 31.092-7 - Poster Session: College Student Learning and Development (1)

Abstract

In light of the number of colleges instituting first year seminars (FYSs) and the increasing attention given to retention, a meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the current findings of FYSs effectiveness on improving freshman retention. The meta-analysis included 12 studies of graded, for credit, stand-alone FYSs, with 10,833 students and 20 intervention effect sizes for retention. Results indicated a significant, 50% increase in retention rate for students completing a FYS. Moderator analyses indicated that quasi-experimental sample designs led to larger effect sizes than student-selected designs. Since all of the studies obtained were from public institutions, generalizations were limited. Implications for future research include further moderator analyses for retention, including the type of institution where the seminar is being offered.

Author

• Brian Ashley Niemeier, The University of Memphis