Arguing that retention research requires a sound theoretical framework and that retention planning takes place within a sociopolitical context, this paper presents an overview of the requirements and process of student retention research. Part I examines the role of research in a college's retention effort and establishes the general requirements…

There is a large body of well-conducted research that supports the value of freshmen orientation seminars in promoting the success of first-year students at community colleges. Orientation programs have been shown to improve retention, program completion, and the level of academic performance of these students. In addition to improving student…

As part of a series dealing with national trends in women's education, this monograph examines the development of women's studies programs at the community college level and provides suggestions to increase their impact. The monograph first discusses the changes in the community college population, for example, in the male/female ratio and in…

Forces responsible for the emergence of the community college are discussed indicating the uniqueness of its role and mission in higher education. A rationale for counseling in this setting is provided. The implication is made that counseling and student development programs should be complementary to the educational process. (Author)

Drawing from a review of the literature on issues related to student retention and attrition, and research on student attitudes toward the Community College of Denver (CCD), this report suggests four models for student retention programs for different two-year college student groups. Following introductory material on the project, a literature…

A discussion is provided of the role of the advisory committee in postsecondary vocational education. First, the development of federal legislation creating advisory committees at the national and state levels, and mandating the formation and defining the duties of local advisory committees is reviewed. The next section explains the process of…

In response to concerns about the loss of effectiveness of the community college transfer function, this paper examines the steady decline in rates of minority student transfer from two- to four-year colleges and offers policy recommendations for facilitating transfer and baccalaureate degree attainment. Initial sections review data showing the…

A study was conducted to determine whether the strategies and tactics employed in the implementation and continuation of well-established honors programs at selected community colleges followed the five stages that Martorana and Kuhns identified as phases in the life cycle of academic innovation (i.e., exploration, formulation, trial, refinement,…

This study, a synthesis of 51 published prescriptive essays and program reports from 1978 to 1997, follows the development of honors programs in comprehensive community colleges. Despite arguments that programs of this sort betray the institution's democratic imperative by implying academic elitism, diverting needed funds from…

A framework for industry-based training in community colleges consists of nine models: three program types (standardized, personalized, and customized) that each teach three types of skills (general, generic occupational, and job specific). Administrative considerations include funding, academic credit, course location, evaluation, and liaison.…

One form of linkage between the two-year college and its community is a college alumni group. A review of the literature indicates that two-year college alumni organizations do not have a long history, and those which do exist are very recent creations. They can benefit the college by: (1) providing a good form of external public relations for…

Community college foundations came into their own in the mid-1970's as a means of helping colleges achieve their missions and goals through community involvement and alternative fundraising and resource development. By 1978, 546 of 1,037 public community colleges had active or inactive foundations. The literature on these organizations suggests…

Defines school-business partnerships and reviews changes in such partnerships over the past 25 years. Provides steps to building effective partnerships for school-to-work activities: review the school's mission; select partners that will bring strength to the relationship; set clearly defined, realistic goals; maintain the partnership; and…

Good relationships between community colleges and the businesses in their communities can lend company expertise to college programs and increase corporate contributions to the college's foundation. A business roundtable, which establishes a solid relationship between corporate sponsors and the college and focuses on an important current topic, is…

Drawing from information gathered at conferences, through a literature review, telephone interviews with writing directors at all the community colleges in Michigan and several four-year institutions, and a survey of faculty members at Monroe County Community College (MCCC) this report assesses the status of writing-across-the-curriculum (WAC) in…