Minority-student retention efforts at Boston College, California State University at Fresno, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Purdue University are analyzed. Key factors common to all four institutions' retention efforts are identified: well-defined policy, high level of commitment, comprehensive student services, and dedicated…

In response to high attrition in accounting courses, Hudson Valley Community College began a "late start" program for students otherwise inclined to drop or fail the course, in which students can begin again up to four weeks after the semester is under way, at no cost. Results have been encouraging. (MSE)

This paper examines several models of freshman seminar programs, reviews the assessment and research literature showing the efficacy of these programs, and discusses research emphases of the new National Center for the Study of the Freshman Year Experience at the University of South Carolina. (Author/MLW)

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities will begin testing a comprehensive project to reverse the low educational attainment of Hispanic students in Texas. The project aims to increase high-school graduation, raise college-going rate, increase graduation rate of college students, and raise transfer rates of community college…

Information about students' characteristics and their perceptions of their educational experience allow institutions to predict their risk of attrition. Trenton State College's effective use of the American Council on Education Cooperative Institutional Research Program for planning and assessment is described. (MLW)

Through cooperative education, not only do students gain exposure to instruction related to their vocational goal in the classroom and laboratory, but are also exposed to vocationally relevant instruction in the practical world of work. However, this combination of work and school can be very demanding and stressful, and students are often lacking…

High school dropouts are usually academic underachievers who adjust to social environments with difficulty. When they leave school, they develop even greater behavior problems and have more trouble getting employment than do high school graduates. To prevent dropouts, schools try to find funds for dropout prevention programs, work with agencies…

The Reduced Load Program, instituted in 1973 at the Indiana University School of Medicine to allow students two academic years to complete their first-year course requirements, is described. This program was developed as an alternative to dismissal for students experiencing academic difficulty. (MLW)

An early intervention program at Buffalo State College sought to identify the students who might be considered high risks academically. A faculty member provided them with counseling and advice during a personal interview very early in their first semester and then referred them to the proper assistance. (MLW)

Examines the experiences of three leading science and engineering institutions (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology) in recruiting and retaining African American students, noting the recruitment, financial aid, and retention strategies that produce favorable results and others…

The University of Illinois's program to recruit and retain minority students is described and discussed, focusing on the effect of granting delays in program completion and the increase in rates of on-time and delayed graduation. (MSE)

Describes three retention programs for regularly admitted students of color. Outlines each program's history and inception; its funding, staffing, and facilities; how the program has become institutionalized and marketed. The key components of the program and assessment of program effectiveness are presented, as well as the crises encountered and…

Suggests that college administrators redirect their attention from studying attrition rates to enacting retention strategies based on responding to student needs and providing a more meaningful educational experience. Several studies dealing with the development of retention programs are reviewed. (JAC)

Higher standards in public schools have made it necessary for educational reformers to identify at-risk students and to develop effective programs for preventing their failure. This pamphlet begins by delineating the characteristics of at-risk students and discussing evaluation instruments that are useful for identifying such students. Successful…

Summarizes results of a community college consortium formed to strengthen vocational and educational guidance and programs for the high-risk student. Consortial activities included information-disseminating conferences for faculty and managers and the creation of college task forces to utilize the information. Outlines factors key to consortial…