Cyclical program reviews (CPRs), also called periodic or academic reviews at institutions of higher education, are undertaken to ensure that academic programs meet a variety of objectives related to teaching and learning, as well as professional credentialing, quality assurance, and institutional requirements. Preparing, reviewing, and…

Unequitable representation among students of color in higher education remains a persisting challenge. For the few racially and ethnically diverse individuals that make it into college, they are faced with numerous adversities that impede their ability to succeed academically and socially at their institutions, therefore lowering their sense of…

Advanced-level education programs are held to rigorous accreditation standards that often require evidence of satisfaction from both program completers and their employers. The purpose of this study was to develop a pragmatic method of collecting this evidence for smaller liberal arts institutions. A convergent parallel mixed methods data…

This longitudinal study evaluated the efficacy of a summer bridge program (SBP) and other support services on college graduation rates at a small liberal arts school in Purchase, NY. Financially disadvantaged students (n = 136) receiving a scholarship and a summer bridge curriculum within the Manhattanville Achievement Program were compared to…

Post-secondary institutions carry out cyclical program reviews (CPRs) to assess educational effectiveness. CPRs often use both qualitative and quantitative data analyses with the aim of improving teaching and learning. Though most of the CPR review studies identify various factors for this purpose, they fail to identify measures/indicators that…

A small college in the Midwestern United States has a prior learning assessment (PLA) program that has never been evaluated from the perspective of the faculty and staff. The problem is that campus leaders have a limited understanding of faculty and staff knowledge and their role in the PLA program. The study was approached from an appreciative…

This study examined if a faculty-run Reading and Writing Lab at a small, private university in the Midwest helped traditionally underserved college freshmen taking developmental English classes increase their levels of self-perceived comprehension and confidence. Students who typically need to take developmental English classes include English as…

MVC is at a tipping point in understanding how to serve students through their students of concern process. Seventy percent of the college population are students of color, and Hispanic/Latino/a students represent 50.9% of the total undergraduate body. The designation of Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) does not take into consideration how…

This article explores how the Department of Graduate Nursing and a writing specialist at a small regional college have worked together to address the challenges of providing graduate-level education in a blended, professional program to a diverse adult population. This cross-disciplinary effort adapted the Writing-Enriched Curriculum (WEC) model…

The purpose of this study was to ascertain if a program's alumni at a small New England college perceived its educational leadership training program to have adequately prepared its graduates for the current demands of a principalship. This program has never been evaluated, which is alarming considering the important role school administrators…

The methods of evaluating teacher preparation programs are becoming increasingly more reliant on student test data. These test data driven formats, however, are not appropriate for small colleges. Small colleges are currently left off the Tennessee Report Card on the Effectiveness of Teacher Training Programs because the colleges did not produce…

This qualitative study explored the conditions that support assessment practice and the impact of the accreditation process on assessment practice in student affairs divisions at three small colleges and universities in the southeastern U.S. Findings indicate that the role of the senior student affairs officer directly impacts staff perceptions of…

In recent years the perceived value and interest in participating in study abroad programs among college students has been increasing. Faculty who endeavor to develop study abroad programs face many challenges, particularly at smaller universities where resources may be very limited. This article offers recommendations to help faculty of regional…

The U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention publishes "Catalyst," a newsletter covering current Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence (AODV) prevention issues at institutions of higher education. "Catalyst" discusses emerging issues and highlights innovative efforts on…