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Freshmen and Sophomores

Freshman Year

  • Freshmen are unaware of the resources available to them. They are in the midst of their greatest transition.
  • Many freshmen enter college with superficial, pseudo-plans.
  • Students are more prone to drop out during the first year before the beginning of their second year (Tinto, 1993).
  • Nearly half of all students who enter four year colleges and universities never graduate from the institution they enter as freshmen. 57% of freshmen change majors during their first semester.

Resources for Advising Freshmen
NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources

Intrusive Advising for Freshmen
NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources

Sophomore Year

  • Sophomores need assistances but find little outreach (like being the older sibling when the newborn comes along).
  • An identity crisis occurs otherwise known as the sophomore slump.
  • They reflect on what they have achieved and what they want to accomplish (undeclared students feel frustration). Compared to their freshman year, they feel less hopeful, less engaged, less competent.
  • Signs: talk of changing majors; leaving school to work; questions regarding transferring; personal relationship problems.

Resources for Advising Sophomores
NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources

In General

  • It is the students most in need of help who often do not use the resources or activities the college community provides. College activities do not always attract the students who need social interaction the most.
  • Lack of student involvement can be problematic.
  • Beware of the student who doesn't get involved because they want to "focus" on school.
  • Procrastination is rampant for freshmen. Many students cannot manage their time, because it's been managed for them and have a difficult time "finding" time to get things done.
  • Activities add structure to their day.
  • Involvement in extra-curricular clubs, organizations, athletics, intramurals, is an important aspect of the student development process and is correlated with student persistence and success.

General Advising Resources
Enhancing Student's College Experience with Specific Advising Suggestions
NACADA - Academic Advising Today - Quarterly Newsletter

Retention Related Links
NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources

Reference
Kramer, G.L. (2000). Advising Students at Different Educational Levels. In Gordon, V.N., & Habley, W.R. (Eds.) Academic Advising: A Comprehensive Handbook. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Inc., 99.