The definition and description of student success programs in the literature (e.g., orientation, first-year seminars, learning communities, etc.) suggest underlying programmatic similarities. Yet researchers to date typically depend on ambiguous labels to delimit studies, resulting in loosely related but separate research lines and few…

This study developed and tested two models that examined the decision-making processes of adolescents relating to entry into university, in terms of the extent to which they may be amotivated and undecided. The models incorporated variables derived from self-determination theory, expectancy-value theory, and research on occupational indecision. A…

Because publicized minimum criteria for graduate school admission are rarely sufficient to gain entrance to the school of one's choice, a study was undertaken to estimate the actual admission standards to graduate school. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores accounted for about twice as much variance as grade point average. (Author/MLW)

Measures of attributes of leadership situations faced by department chairmen were theoretically and empirically related. Findings indicated that high task structure (faculty homogeneity and academic task structure) is associated with better member relations and greater cooperation on administrative matters. Implications for administrators are…

The empirical validity of the Biglan model of academic disciplines is supported. Examples are provided to illustrate how the systematic use of this model could enhance the quality of research on university faculty members and the academic administration of colleges. (Author/MLW)

Focus is on two areas: (1) the factors available to the selection committee when students apply for admission into graduate programs, and (2) those factors emerging after admission, resulting from students' meeting program-imposed requirements for graduation. Program variables are shown to be more important than admission variables. (Author/LBH)

Muffo and Coccari (1982) analyzed data pertaining to the causes of variation in the number and amount of external funds for research. By using LISREL, a reanalysis of the study shows that the only significant indicators of funding are past success in securing funds and an emphasis on graduate education. (Author/MLW)

A methodology developed as an alternative to conventional institutional classification structures, intended to reduce the limitations of those models, is described. Ways in which the methodology can be used for planning, administrative, and research purposes are discussed, as are the dangers in using "peer groups" for institutional…

Survey data from 458 former health science graduate students were examined for correlations between variables that might be used in selecting research training award recipients and successful training outcome defined as a highly productive research career. Four variables that showed promise as useful indicators of posttraining research are…

A research program is suggested that integrates admissions procedures and methods of statistical analysis to study the first stage of the admissions selection process: the rating of applicants. A systematic procedure is described that provides an index of applicant "quality" in the light of institutional goals. (Author/MLW)