Abstract
Purpose. The first purpose of this study was to compare the differences between first-semester freshman students, Summer Readiness participants, and Guidance Studies participants, in the areas of (a) academic achievement, (b) continuous full-time enrollment, and (c) persistency rate. The second purpose of this study was to describe two groups of FCC first-semester freshman students' perceptions of elements that contributed to or hindered: (a) academic achievement, (b) continuous full-time enrollment, and (c) persistency rate. Methodology. The study was composed of two groups of first-semester freshman students who were involved in two different types of freshman orientation programs offered by Fresno City College (FCC). The participants participated in either the EOPS Summer Readiness or Guidance Studies programs. This dissertation study utilized both the quasi-experimental and structured interview methods to study the impact of the different types of freshman orientation programs on the first-semester college experience. Key findings. When key findings comparing both groups were summarized, the outcomes indicated that Summer Readiness participants completed more units, maintained better continuous full-time enrollment, and earned a higher (GPA) at the end of the fall 2000 semester. T-tests, z-test and chi-square were utilized to determine if a significant difference exited between the two groups, and the results indicated that there were significant differences. Recommendation. Two types of recommendations resulted from this study. The first is for institutional continuous improvement; the second is for further study. For institutional continuous improvement, the dissertation author recommends that FCC leadership expand the Summer Readiness Program to include all freshmen and further develop an atmosphere to encourage student involvement, student institutional representation and student's significant other participation. For further study, the dissertation author recommends a longitudinal study on the differing types of freshman orientation programs offered to students for orientation purpose. Another recommendation for further study should be a focus on parental supports as elements that hinder or contribute to the level of commitment and determination to succeed exhibited by various individuals and and/or groups who enter the community college system.