“…Participation in learning communities specially designed for freshmen has been shown to impact positively on retention (Johnson, 2000(Johnson, -2001Johnson & Romanoff, 1999), perhaps because students in learning communities avoid the poor study habits of their non-persisting peers (Christoffel, 1986;Sailes, 1990;Sherrod, 1992). Academic advising has also been identified as a key retention strategy (Bailey, Bauman, & Lata, 1998;Chaney & Farris, 1991;Grites, 1979;Iaccino, 1988;Thayer, 2000;Tinto, 1999;Walling, 1995), as has instruction in learning and study skills (Johnson, 1989), especially for at risk students (Polansky, Horan, & Hanish, 1993). Other initiatives such as counseling, mentoring, and transitional programs have also proven to be effective in improving students' social and academic experiences, and subsequent student persistence (Patton, Morelon, Whitehead, & Hossler, 2006).…”