Infusing Emotional Intelligence in a First Semester College Course, Putting Old Heads on Young Shoulders

Recent empirical research suggested a link between Emotional Intelligence and academic retention and success. There was further evidence to suggest that emotional intelligence could me increased through interventions. The goal of the current study was to assess the effectiveness in improving retention by adding an emotional intelligence curriculum to a first semester college course. The effectiveness of the emotional intelligence modified course was assessed by comparing retention and GPA (Grade Point Average) in subsequent semesters between students who had or had not taken the modified course. The results do not support the hypothesis that taking the modified course produces better retention or higher GPA