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To assist incoming freshmen to integrate into the academic environment, improve social acclimation, and increase student retention, Northern Michigan University created a First Year Experience (FYE) Program which has community as its central focus. The key to the success of NMU's program is the use of block scheduling which combines a freshman seminar course with other classes. These blocks or freshman learning communities provide a wide range of benefits. Evaluation results from three years of the pilot program demonstrate marked improvements in student performance and retention. The article closes with a review of the benefits of blocking and cites future implications.

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This chapter is a case study of one institution's effort to institutionalize a process through which student development is promoted through active engagement with the community.