Includes bibliographical references (p. 431-432) and index.

On being named an institution of excellence in the first college year : the process and the places -- Research methods -- The Community College of Denver : a second family for the first-year student / Marc Cutright, Randy L. Swing -- Laguardia Community College : a window on the world / Betsy O. Barefoot, Michael J. Siegel -- The first year at Eckerd College : responsible innovation / Stephen W. Schwartz, Michael J. Siegel -- Kalamazoo College : no stone left unturned / Stephen W. Schwartz, Randy L. Swing -- Drury University : balancing intellectual rigor with intrusive personal support in the first year / Charles C. Schroeder, Randy L. Swing -- Elon University : transforming education through a community of inquiry and engagement / Libby V. Morris, Randy L. Swing -- The long gray line : West Point and the plebe-year experience / Michael J. Siegel, John N. Gardner -- Lehman College of the City University of New York : excellence in the Bronx / John N. Gardner, Betsy O. Barefoot -- The first year at Texas A & M University--Corpus Christi : starting with a clean slate / Michael J. Siegel, Marc Cutright -- Appalachian State University : high standards for the first year in North Carolina's high country / John N. Gardner, Betsy O. Barefoot -- The story of Ball State University : "everything students need" / Randy L. Swing, Marc Cutright -- Indiana University--Purdue University, Indianapolis : success and the city / Marc Cutright, Michael J. Siegel -- University of South Carolina : creator and standard-bearer for the first-year experience / Libby V. Morris, Marc Cutright -- Findings and recommendations.