What is First-Year Integration Program

This chapter examines practices that assist first-year students with the transition between high school to college and overall degree attainment. According to Jaijairam, in 2016, one in every four freshmen did not return to their collegiate institution for their second year. Out of all students enrolled in a four-year degree program, only 50% graduated within six years. As a country that purports to be one of the most advanced nations globally but boasts an attrition rate of approximately 50%, there is a disconnect between the tertiary education we provide and students' ability to complete that education. With such a high attrition rate, the question presents as follows: Who was this tertiary educational system meant to advance? This chapter will focus on improving the first-year students' experiences regarding retention, interpersonal support during the collegiate experience, and high school-to-college bridge programs (also referenced as dual enrollment).