This chapter describes a new conceptual framework that informs research on factors influencing transfer in STEM fields of study from 2-year to 4-year institutions, presents a new survey instrument based on the framework, and offers directions for future research in this area.

A national survey of a professional field is an appropriate and logical undertaking for a professional membership association such as the Association for Institutional Research (AIR). The National Survey of Institutional Research Offices is the most comprehensive survey of offices of institutional research ever undertaken. The goal was to collect…

In this study, I draw on Bahr's ("Research in Higher Education" 51:724-749, 2010; New Directions for Institutional Research S1:33-48, 2011) behavioral typology of first-time community college students to examine college-level variation in students' patterns of use of 105 community colleges in California. I find that students' patterns of…

This study examined institutional researchers' use of qualitative methods to document institutional accountability and effectiveness at two-year colleges in Texas. Participants were Institutional Research and Effectiveness personnel. Data were collected through a survey consisting of closed and open ended questions which was administered…

A fundamental factor in the internal dynamics of a college is its culture. Central to understanding organizational culture is to minimize the occurrence and consequences of cultural conflict and help foster the development of shared goals. Modifying organizational culture is important. Without culture change, there is little hope of enduring…

Institutional autopsies can teach much about why learning centers fail the test of time. St. Augustine Junior College in north Florida, the brainchild of Dr. George Apel, was begun in 1942 and ended seven years later in 1949. The purposes of the short-lived college are identified for discussion in this paper. Also identified are the reasons for…

This article describes similarities and differences between public and private postsecondary two-year colleges and offers suggestions to prospective students on factors to consider when selecting a two-year school. The types of schools are compared in terms of their missions, degrees offered, academic programs, faculty credentials, accreditation,…

Among all the students who transfer from one institution to another during their academic careers, a distinct group of "reverse transfer" students has emerged over time. Reverse transfer occurs when students begin their college careers at 4-year institutions but eventually transfer into 2-year institutions. Using student unit record data…

This report contains two essays on the extent and import of current research for junior college personnel. Both authors write from the vantage point of the ERIC Clearinghouse for Junior Colleges at the University of California, Los Angeles. After surveying the literature inputs at the Clearinghouse, Cohen concludes that there is a serious lack of…

Institutional research (IR), defined as inquiry "directed toward data useful or necessary [for] intelligent decisions and/or for the successful maintenance, operation and/or improvement of a given collegiate institution," can be directly applied to soaring enrollment, greater administrative complexity, rising costs. The junior college…

This report gives guidelines for the organization of institutional research in the community junior college. They include the use of an overall systems approach to data needs and handling; the need for adequate financing; the need for faculty and administrative participation in planning, design, and conduct of research projects; and the…

This institutional self-study, prepared as an application for accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, may serve as a model for others making similar application. Introductory material includes a model of the new campus; names of trustees, administrators, state regents, and committee members; and a preface…

This is the second in a series of annual presentations on the innovative, experimental, and research activities conducted at Santa Fe Junior College. The studies include: classroom activities, college-wide research, short statements on different instructional approaches to formal dissertation abstracts, subjective observations, intricate…

This article defines institutional research, names several areas in which research is vital to junior college operations, provides guidelines for institutional research, and includes a selective bibliography on institutional research. (JC)

The five parts of this report are: research on instruction; faculty dissertations; inter-institutional research; in-college research; and college-endorsed research. The first covers experiments in teaching French, practical nursing, English, math, and chemistry, and in giving examinations. Faculty dissertations include studies of post-graduate…