Academic development (AD) programmes for students not complying with the entrance requirements of mainstream programmes in science have been running at a number of universities in South Africa. In this study we contribute to the debate on criteria for the success of AD programmes, specifically in the context of research-intensive universities in…

The postsecondary attrition rate for American Indian students is higher than of any other racial or ethnic group. It is therefore imperative to identify factors that encourage their persistence in higher education. Employing a phenomenological approach, this study explored the experiences of American Indian college students in a peer-mentoring…

Discusses attrition research in terms of student characteristics predictive of persistence and reasons students drop out. Itemizes the steps of planning a retention program and suggests retention strategies in three categories: administration, faculty, and student personnel. (DD)

Addressing residential administrators, describes the development of a retention program within a university housing organization, either in conjunction with, or separate from, a campus-wide retention program. Discusses preformation issues, initial formation, assessing available data, defining target groups, developing and implementing strategies…

Defines marketing and discusses the eight steps of the marketing process. Emphasizes the necessity of having one individual or committee responsible for coordinating marketing functions. Notes that marketing's success depends on its acceptance by all levels of the institution. Lists the benefits of implementing marketing in a community college.…

Highlights approaches to improving student retention used at the Agricultural and Technical College at Delhi, NY. Describes the formation and activities of a fact-finding task force and of an ongoing student retention planning and steering committee. (CAM)

In this article, the author relates his experiences leading the building of the School of Engineering within the new University of California (UC) campus of UC Merced. He discusses the goals of the project, as well as the challenges it faced, and concludes with personal lessons for those tasked with similar positions within university building…

Both financial and personal losses occur for students dropping out of higher education. Intervention programs designed to reduce student attrition have been suggested, and it is important to consider the extent to which these strategies can be effectively implemented. (MSE)

Investigated types of self-reported problems encountered by college students (N=151) on academic probation. Suggests that institutions of higher education examine education, financial, social and personal factors which contribute to academic difficulty and begin to develop programs which lessen attrition, particularly in the area of adjustment to…

Suggests that college administrators redirect their attention from studying attrition rates to enacting retention strategies based on responding to student needs and providing a more meaningful educational experience. Several studies dealing with the development of retention programs are reviewed. (JAC)

Most college and university retention programs do little to change the quality of academic experience for students, especially during the first critical year of college. One of the most promising reforms is establishment of "learning communities," which feature block scheduling to enable students to take classes together, are organized…

Reporting literature from the ERIC system, highlights issues and concerns regarding minority student retention and learning success within community colleges. Discusses factors contributing to declining retention rates and effective programming strategies designed to address continued participation of students of color. (KS)

A Student Retention Committee was formed at the University of Oregon in 1979 to identify probable causes of attrition and to suggest corrective action. A number of existing supportive programs and factors were found, and suggestions included directing greater resources to nontraditional students, in both admissions outreach and campus support…

Describes the benefits of mentoring for African-American male students. Profiles six successful mentoring programs, highlighting the success of the Faculty Mentor Program at the University of Louisville. Presents eight recommendations for viable, effective mentoring programs to promote the retention, academic achievement, and leadership…

Focuses on the special challenges and benefits college athletes encounter. This in-depth study of 31 male athletes (part of an ongoing survey of 2,395 African-American students) points to the need for supported and structured programs. Offers three effective models for organizing initiatives to retain African-American male student athletes. (EMK)