Because funding for many higher education institutions is based on student persistence and graduation rates, and because competition for online student enrollments is fierce among public and private institutions, quality and competitiveness in online course development, instruction, and administration is imperative. Additionally, because distance…

Systematic changes to higher education curriculum typically occur within the extended timeframes of formal curriculum review processes. Programmes need to be reviewed periodically for internal and external accountability or to determine whether the curriculum has lost its coherence due to the accumulative effect of continual small-scale changes.…

A discussion of distance education as the fastest-growing instructional pattern in the world looks at enrollment trends and the immediate concerns of the institutions, including student attrition, the need to maintain strong communication links with students, and administrative and logistical problems. (MSE)

A study of applicants to an urban public university investigated the effect of scholarship size on attendance and persistence, impact of scholarship students on the school, and potential effects of different distributions of scholarship funds. Results suggest institutions using large scholarships should examine yield and persistence rates. (MSE)

The status of student advisement services in the California State University (CSU) was assessed, and recent improvement efforts were evaluated. A total of 29 grant programs in academic and career advising funded between 1978 and 1981 were covered, along with systemwide workshops, a resource grants program, and dissemination efforts. It was found…

Issues in the recruitment and retention of minority graduate students are examined in interview format. Issues include the funding and administration of graduate programs, faculty attitudes, the effectiveness of affirmative action efforts, institutional incentives for faculty and departmental involvement, and difficulties in convincing public…

Institutional researchers and student financial aid officers can collaborate to construct the longitudinal data files needed to study students persistence and recommend persistence policy. (Author/MSE)

The management of course registration by Wirral Education Authority in England is discussed, along with the relationship of course size and student retention. After providing background information on the control of course size, standards set by Wirral are specified. Data on initial registrations and attendance levels as measured three or four…

DePaul University (Illinois) has addressed the problem of delays in employer reimbursement of tuition costs by extending payment due dates and treating reimbursement as pending financial assistance. Since implementation, enrollment in courses designed specifically for adult students have increased, and withdrawals have decreased. One-third of…

These proceedings report on a 1994 conference on the planning, implementing, and refining of programs designed to enhance the first-year experience of college students in urban settings. Early sections detail conference aims, background and policies. One section describes workshops on various topics, provides a profile on the keynote speaker, and…

A survey of 94 department heads and 112 graduate supervisors at 5 Canadian universities investigated organizational and administrative practices concerning graduate programs and factors affecting successful completion of/withdrawal from graduate programs. Factors identified include student motivation, quality of supervision, student selection,…

Examines the role of planned mentoring and claims that it can increase retention and graduation rates of culturally diverse students. Addresses causes of minority students' attrition rates and delayed graduation. Argues greater student/faculty contact can solve academic and nonacademic problems. Discusses development and administration of…

The federally funded Special Services for Disadvantaged Students (SSDS) program is examined for the 1979-80 academic year in 58 institutions; the program's short-term impact on participating freshmen is summarized. Up to 200 students at each site were studied to determine whether program participation levels correlated with outcomes and whether…

A framework is offered for institutions to use in identifying and overcoming obstacles to graduate student progress and retention. Seven aspects of graduate education that would have to be altered to reduce student frustration are examined: admissions, graduate curriculum, advising/mentoring, monitoring progress, financial support, institutional…

This report describes 1992 activities and accomplishments of the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education, followed by information about the utilization and funding of the state's postsecondary institutions. The Commission's major initiatives and accomplishments dealt with higher education financing; statewide planning, research, and reporting;…