The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore why first-year students at Georgia College identified by MAP-Works as socially at-risk left after their first semester, but more importantly, why, those interviewed for this dissertation were retained. Data was gathered from 22 student interviews, observations of student groups, and review of longitudinal information gathered by Georgia College Office of Institutional Research. Primary findings revealed that a single connection made with a faculty, staff, or peer made a significant difference in the retention of the students. The data suggested that identifying socially at-risk students and assisting them in making these important connections within the first weeks of their first year may greatly assist in their retention.