  We have developed and implemented a low-cost peer-mentoring program that
blends personal and academic support to help students achieve academic success
in the introductory courses required for the Physics Major or the Dual-Degree
Program in Engineering. As a result of this program, retention has increased
among entering science, technology, engineering and mathematics students at
Albion College as they move through the introductory classes, as shown by a 20
per cent increase in retention from first-semester to third-semester physics
courses compared to years when this program was not in place.
