In 2002, the Policy Center on the First Year of College (supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Atlantic Philanthropies, and Lumina Foundation for Education) sponsored a project to recognize colleges and universities as "Institutions of Excellence" in their design and execution of the first year. Thirteen colleges and universities—representing a broad spectrum of campus types—were selected as exceptional institutions that place a high priority on the first-year experience. Achieving and Sustaining Excellence in the First Year of College includes case studies of each of the thirteen exemplary institutions. These studies illustrate and analyze the colleges’ best practices in teaching, assessing, and retaining first-year college students. The individual case studies offer lessons learned and have broad potential application beyond the particular type of institution represented.

"'Must' reading for professionals who work in residentialinstitutions."--Alexander W. Astin, professor of higher education anddirector of the Higher Education Research Institute, University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles This book offers an insightful and practical discussion of howthe outcomes of college education can be strengthened throughthoughtful, educationally rich programs that make residence halls amore integral part of the overall educational experience.

In 2002, the Policy Center on the First Year of College (supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Atlantic Philanthropies, and Lumina Foundation for Education) sponsored a project to recognize colleges and universities as "Institutions of Excellence" in their design and execution of the first year. Thirteen colleges and universities—representing a broad spectrum of campus types—were selected as exceptional institutions that place a high priority on the first-year experience. Achieving and Sustaining Excellence in the First Year of College includes case studies of each of the thirteen exemplary institutions. These studies illustrate and analyze the colleges’ best practices in teaching, assessing, and retaining first-year college students. The individual case studies offer lessons learned and have broad potential application beyond the particular type of institution represented.

"'Must' reading for professionals who work in residentialinstitutions."--Alexander W. Astin, professor of higher education anddirector of the Higher Education Research Institute, University ofCalifornia, Los Angeles This book offers an insightful and practical discussion of howthe outcomes of college education can be strengthened throughthoughtful, educationally rich programs that make residence halls amore integral part of the overall educational experience.