The purpose of this project was to conduct a gap analysis from the perspective of Black male students at a community college in the Los Angeles area to examine the knowledge, motivation, and organizational elements that interfere with their graduation and transfer rates. The analysis began by generating a list of possible or assumed interfering…

This document presents the variable definitions utilized in a study of the impacts of two- and four-year college attendance on learning orientations. The authors identify the specific survey items that compose the four orientations to learning explored in this study (i.e., openness to diversity/challenge, learning for self-understanding, internal…

Survey data received from student development practitioners at 53 community colleges are used to investigate exemplary student affairs programs. Identifies six core elements that underlie successful student development programs, such as champions leading the way and meeting student needs in nontraditional ways. Uses examples from community…

Describes a study that compared student development at Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University (D-Q U) in California with that at non-tribal institutions. Results indicated higher levels of student satisfaction at D-Q U, lower levels of learning and personal development, somewhat lower rates of degree completion, and similar transfer rates. Recommends…

Describes implementation of concepts of collaborative learning, learning communities, and interdisciplinary learning to help students integrate into college life and improve retention at Portland Community College (Oregon). Also summarizes implementation of these concepts at six other institutions. (DB)

Pace (1979b) delineates a model for the study of student development and college impress. That model was the basis for his development of the College Student Experiences Questionnaire (CSEQ) and the Community College Student Experiences Questionnaire (CCSEQ). His perspective is similar to Astin (1970, 1984) and Tinto (1975, 1986) in that each…

Describes organizational approaches with the potential to increase the chances that student services practitioners will control their own future. Suggests principles to help practitioners create effective and influential organizational structures for community college student affairs programs. Examines campus culture, shifting paradigms, and…

Speculates on the causes of attrition in developmental-education classes, stating that two factors influencing it are how well a student identifies with his or her institution and the quality of faculty-student interaction. Asserts that institutions must be aware of the cultural histories and socialization experiences students bring with them, and…

A study of nearly 100 freshman community college students' perceptions of their educational experiences and motivations through focus group interviews found that, despite high dropout rates, community college students can become successful students. The study concluded that students will be more likely to persist if institutions help them to be…

This collection of 17 readings presents research on college students grouped into sections on getting to college, the college environment, the developmental experience, and general reflections. Titles and authors are: (1) "Population Trends, Socioeconomic Status, and Geographic Distribution" (B. Astone and E. Nunez-Wormack); (2)…