Changes in Social and Academic Integration in Freshmen of High and Average Ability: Implications for Retention

The authors examine the relationship between retention and changes in freshmen's perspectives on social and academic issues. Using data collected from a student questionnaire administered at the beginning and end of the freshman year, the authors found that contact with faculty may play a significant role in how freshmen view their college experience but may not be related to retention. Student retention may be only indirectly related to changes in social and academic integration at an institution and may depend more on variables associated with student characteristics and predispositions.