Abstract
The average number of undergraduate computer science (CS) majors is larger today than at any time previously and the average number of CS majors at doctoral granting academic units has more than tripled since 2006 [5]. Yet, almost a third of first-time college students who start a computational major change it at least once within three years [12]. Approximately 40% of those who embark on a CS program eventually leave without a degree [16]. Chen [3] states that women and minority students drop out of computer science at higher rates in comparison to white males. This paper reflects on the introduction of a 1-credit Computing Orientation Seminar—mandatory for all students entering a CS program—and on its role in building community to improve retention, student engagement, and diversity. The findings presented in this paper do not claim to be a silver bullet for solving these issues in CS education. However, we believe that there is value in reflection, and that our reflection reinforces the idea that active interventions towards community formation positively impact student outcomes.