This study reviews the traditional culminating graduate student experiences, theses, and comprehensive exams, as well as a newer, more professionally relevant option, applied research projects. We conceptualize applied projects as student-led, client-connected, hands-on, experiential projects that address a real-world communication problem or…

The purpose of this research was to identify the various types of employment held by music alumni at one university. We also compare the perceptions of alumni who currently work primarily in music with those of alumni who work outside the field. A mixed-methods research design that relied on surveys and interviews was used to gather data. Alumni…

With growing concerns over higher education accountability and diminishing resources, student persistence rates and the reasons why students remain at a post-secondary institution continue to persist. Using the Backward Design Model, the purpose of this observational study was to determine the difference between the pre-college characteristics of…

Developing effective presentation skills is a core competence skill for business communicators. Self-report data from a survey of 1,610 2- to 12-year business alumni show that 37.1% present monthly and 27.9% present weekly in their current positions. Alumni who completed a general public speaking course, or both managerial communication and a…

This article describes the process and results obtained from an alumni survey administered at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Comparisons are made to similar surveys that have been implemented at other universities. The survey was administered to undergraduate and graduate alumni who graduated one year or five years earlier. Of the 2,763 alumni…

Every year 1.3 million U.S. high school students drop out of school with one quarter of female students failing to graduate on time. Female dropouts are more likely to be unemployed, to earn less when they are employed, to become pregnant before the age of 20, to become obese, to smoke, and to drink more heavily than their male counterparts. This…

This article explores a range of factors associated with excellent teaching from the perspective of past student groups. One hundred and thirty-nine respondents who had been asked to nominate one teacher for an excellence in teaching award provided comments on the reasons for their nomination. An exploration of these reasons is presented. Findings…

This report presents findings from a study of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccaulaureate Achievement (McNair) Program. The McNair Program was established in 1986 to increase the attainment of doctoral degrees by students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. This study is a descriptive analysis of participant outcomes: no attempt is…

This study investigated the effect of different school atmospheres on the career aspirations and the actual careers of students. The sample included 60 11th grade students from one high prestige, one less prestigeous general high school and from one technical high school in three cities in Israel and a similar sample of young men who graduated…

Follow-up studies of doctoral graduates at Ohio State and Michigan State are compared. The survey considered alumni perceptions of guidance committee activities, course work, comprehensive examinations, and dissertations. (Author/MLW)

The value of master of agriculture and master of science curricula at Texas A&M University in preparing graduates for careers was assessed. Attitudes of 305 agriculture graduates and 305 science graduates concerning their degrees and the career patterns of graduates were examined. Findings include the following: master of agriculture graduates…

A study of the image of the University of South Dakota among high school seniors, students, and alumni revealed a generally positive image, with some less definitive aspects of the image and with variations in image according to group surveyed. The image profile technique used was found to be reliable in assessing the perceptions of the three…

Describes a study that compared the personal characteristics, professional achievement, and career development of 1979-81 graduates of on-campus and off-campus programs of eight accredited American library schools. It is concluded that schools that offer extension education are offering a worthwhile service in providing a capable group of…

Comparative alumni research data can be used by individual institutions and entire sectors of higher education to study, improve, and promote themselves. A large multi-institutional alumni study in Pennsylvania provides an example of the methods and benefits of such research. Aggregate findings in 11 key areas and specific key subgroup profiles…

A 1985-86 Howard University College of Medicine survey of graduates confirmed that the predominantly Black alumni were continuing to provide patient care to a substantial number of poor Blacks in urban areas. Findings included concerns about malpractice suits and physician impairment. (Author/MLW)