ABSTRACT
This study deals with the relationship between the structure of social networks and their role in providing social support to students in their first and second years of college. Students entering college are unconnected with, and attempting to become integrated into, the academic community. It seems likely that the extent to which freshpersons develop on-campus social networks, as well as the characteristics of these social networks, will affect their integration into the academic community. Social integration into this community is seen as helping the student meet the demands of school life, such as achieving academic success, developing a commitment to the college or university, and dealing with stress.
