"Strengthening the STEM Pipeline: The Contributions of Small and Mid-Sized Independent Colleges" demonstrates that small and mid-sized independent institutions are preparing students for careers and graduate study in STEM fields more efficiently than many public universities. Contrary to popular assumptions, the report shows that smaller…

Chief academic officers (CAOs) of independent colleges and universities are the principal leaders and managers of the academic programs of the institutions they serve. The core functions of higher education--teaching students, conducting scholarly research, and service to the academic community--usually fall under their purview. Despite these…

The decision about which college to attend can be daunting. College bound high school students may pore over catalogs, make visits to multiple campuses, and negotiate the intricacies of financial aid. There are a variety of choices, and the most basic of choices involves what type of school to attend. Should it be a well-funded research university…

This report covers the activities of a program designed to strengthen traditional career planning services, to augment the liberal arts program, and to integrate students' educational and vocational development. A review and evaluation are included for: (1) major program components, i.e., student workshops, faculty efforts, practicums, and the…