This article reports findings from an impact study of a 2-year postsecondary academic program offered in state prisons. Outcomes examined for participants during their 1st year of participation include performance on a standardized test of critical thinking skills, credit acquisition, achievement motivation, educational aspirations, personal…

This article reports the findings of a phenomenological study that examined the lived experience of community college students enrolled in high-risk online courses (HRCs) at a community college in the American Southeast. HRCs were defined as college courses with withdrawal or failure rates of 30% or more. In-depth interviews were conducted with 13…

Lateral transfer (between community colleges) is second only to upward transfer (to a 4-year institution) among community college students' most common patterns of transfer. Yet, upward transfer is the focus of innumerable studies, while lateral transfer has received very little empirical attention. This study explores the occurrence and frequency…

Criticizes attrition reduction programs that focus on overcoming what students lack. Suggests shifting this focus to the problems of the institution. Looks at the influences of nonpunitive grading, student financial aid, probation, the "cooling out function," and institutional commitment to student retention. (AYC)

Describes a study conducted to: (1) determine whether remedial students approach learning more from a right hemispheric orientation than students in regular academic programs; (2) ascertain relationships among hemispheric preference, reading level, language dominance, age, sex, and ethnicity; and (3) evaluate implications for curricula,…

Describes a study of urban community college students who were incoming day students in fall 1979 and no longer enrolled in spring 1981. Focuses on number of semesters enrolled; major; certainty of career goals; mode of, reasons for, and activities after withdrawal; immediate plans; and quality of college experience. Offers recommendations to…

Examines many different variables defined in the existing literature to determine their relationship to retention rates at Utah Valley State College (UVSC). States that the overall goal was to add insights and descriptive detail about the relationship between remedial education and student persistence rates at community colleges. Contains 63…

Presents a research-based model of student persistence. Concludes that high school academic achievement, needs for financial aid and employment, day/evening status, goal commitment, and expected student/college fit have primary effects on persistence, while background characteristics and academic self-confidence have secondary effects. Explains…

Explores advisors' perspectives on the characteristics of late-admits: how they differ from students who apply earlier, the forces that influence their late decision to attend college, and whether late-admits possess attributes that would put them at risk for attrition. Reveals distinct differences between traditional age (18 to 20) and…

Based on an examination of related literature, reviews the pre- and post-enrollment characteristics of first-generation community college students, and discusses what colleges should do to help these students be successful. Asserts that while considerable research exists on first-generation students on four-year college campuses, the findings and…

Assesses the effectiveness of Santa Fe Community College's "College Success Program" by looking at the academic performance of remedial students who participated in the program as freshmen. Findings indicate that the program decreased the course failure rate for African-American and female students, and increased grade-point average for…

Describes a study to test causal relationships among variables related to Hispanic students' intent to persist using multiple regression and path analysis models. Reports that a path analysis model, examining students' satisfaction with their academic experience and instruction, commitment, family support, and perceptions of future job prestige,…

Describes a systemwide effort within the Colorado Community College and Occupational Education System to develop a framework for improving student persistence and success. Highlights changes to the original Bean and Metzner retention model, the characteristics and needs of Colorado's two-year college student population, the campus-based…

Describes a study of the relationship between student persistence in developmental mathematics programs and age, gender, parents' education, grade point average (GPA), goal commitment, institutional experience, academic integration, placement grades, and student performance. Finds no significant direct effect on persistence by age, gender, GPA, or…

Presents seven statements synthesizing the literature on the relationship between educational advising and student retention. Provides an advisement model designed to increase institutional holding power through ethical recruitment, honest orientation, continuous dissemination of information, and a developmental approach to the advising process.…