Utilized a set of noncognitive variables, as measured by the Noncognitive Questionnaire (NCQ), to predict the grade point average (GPA) and retention of specially admitted college students. Results indicated the NCQ can predict the GPA and retention status of these students. Successful leadership and positive self-concept were the most useful…

While the national study reported here reveals recent medical school attrition rates to be lower than for 1949-58 entrants, the rate for women and underrepresented minorities is still less than for white males, although the gap appears to be narrowing. Recommendations for optimum retention are included. (Editor/JT)

Presents an overview of research results on noncognitive variables and explains how these variables have been or could be applied to the admission and retention of regularly admitted students of color. Compares noncognitive variables between "special admit" and "regular admit" students of color and discusses methods for…

This 10-year study of 156 Hispanic college students revealed that their ability to identify and combat perceived interpersonal and institutional racism, as measured by the Noncognitive Questionnaire, predicted their grades their first 3 semesters in college. Noncognitive variables did not foreshadow Hispanic students' retention over a…

Given that people's expectations influence their behavior, it is important to examine the expectations of incoming college freshman whose beliefs and hopes may help to determine their academic and social integration, which have been linked to persistence and retention rates. Of 212 African American freshman who completed the "University New…

To supplement previous reliability and validity studies concerning the Noncognitive Questionnaire (NCQ), new NCQ items were written and assessed in relation to the original eight NCQ scales. The NCQ measures eight non-traditional or non-cognitive variables that relate to minority student retention--positive self-concept, realistic self-appraisal,…

Examined whether use of campus facilities was related to student retention in 100 white, 78 black, and 29 international students. Results suggest that use of campus facilities is related to retention for students, and for black students in particular. Library use was related to retention for all groups, use of nonacademic facilities was…

A study comparing the commitment to social change of college students in 1978 and 1988 is presented, focusing on those issues that directly affect black students. The responses of 541 incoming freshmen attending the 1988 orientation program at the University of Maryland, College Park, were compared to those of 1,091 freshmen who attended the…

A two-dimensional model proposing three predictor dimensions (cognitive, noncognitive, and combined) and four criterion dimensions (grade point average (GPA), enrolled or not, graduate or not, and less traditional criteria) is presented. Preliminary results of a study using the model to examine both white and minority student predictors of…

Evaluates the programs and services of a large student union at University of Maryland, in relation to campus subgroups including employees, graduate students, and minority groups. Results indicate the union may serve as a model of differential programming. Suggests different groups use the union differently but are generally satisfied. (JAC)

In a study of 2,991 college students, researchers found significant differences between Latino and non-Latino students using MANOVA and chi-square statistics. Latino students were more likely to embrace diversity than non-Latino students, and were more likely to be concerned about financing their college educations. In addition, they were more…

The admissions offices of 103 large, U.S. universities provided information regarding their admissions and retention of minority students for the eighth consecutive year. Results showed that black freshman enrollment was three percent in fall, 1969 and only five percent in fall, 1976, down from a high of six percent in 1973. Non-black minority…

The responses of 541 incoming freshmen attending the 1988 orientation program at the University of Maryland, College Park, were compared to those of 1,091 freshmen who attended the program in 1978. Attitudes toward recruitment of Blacks and the university's influence to improve social conditions were more favorable in 1988. (Author/MLW)