This study examines the default behavior of 5,177 undergraduate student borrowers who attended Texas A&M University--Kingsville (TAMUK) and entered repayment of their TG-guaranteed Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loans between October 1, 1998 and September 30, 2002 (fiscal years 1999-2002). Using the Department of Education's…

In an interview, the president of the National Education Association (NEA) discusses issues in higher education, including the NEA's role, relationships between higher education and elementary-secondary education, professionalism and the union, technological advancement, the role of postsecondary education, allocation of educational resources,…

Barriers to minority group student success in medical education are outlined, including inadequate preparation in science and mathematics, inadequate advising, nonsupportive faculty, lack of minority mentors and role models, costs, and inadequate information about academic and financial aid options. (MSE)

A framework is offered for institutions to use in identifying and overcoming obstacles to graduate student progress and retention. Seven aspects of graduate education that would have to be altered to reduce student frustration are examined: admissions, graduate curriculum, advising/mentoring, monitoring progress, financial support, institutional…

A study examined attitudes, cognitive and noncognitive experiences, and transfer-related behaviors of 277 nontraditional-age Hispanic students graduating from a community college. Measures were developed for family concerns, encouragement, social and academic integration, English skills, and educational and institutional commitments. Variables…

Draws from a qualitative study of how first-generation Asian immigrant and refugee students view and shape their college experience at an urban public university. Describes institutional characteristics, issues of student persistence, student problems, issues of identity and alienation, gender considerations, and concerns related to student…

Discusses teaching styles exhibited by two different history teachers. Describes both teaching styles as epistemological representations, although one consists of a passive approach while the other employs active teacher involvement. Stresses each teacher's use of primary sources to help students see both sides of issues and critically analyze…

Partnerships among elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educators in San Antonio (Texas) aim at improving high school and college retention, particularly for Hispanic students. Programs include curriculum development as early as kindergarten, high school junior and senior enrollment in college courses, minority achievement supports, and…

A study of 81 female graduate students over age 30 at a large urban research university investigated their experiences, problems, and demographics. Results indicate that variables important to persistence are marital status, quality of student/student and student/faculty interactions, and grade point average. Policy implications and possible…

Research on retention of students of color suggests possible areas of intervention to improve academic success.

This chapter describes nine of this volume's themes and offers summary recommendations stemming from those themes.

Research regarding student cohorts entering the Georgia WebMBA[R] program (an online MBA program in the University System of Georgia) shows consistent demographic characteristics as well as students' reasons for joining the program, experience with online learning, and perceptions of teamwork. The program has a high retention rate, and in this…

The Wyoming Community College Commission (WCCC) collaborates with Wyoming's seven community colleges to provide educational experiences that strengthen, support and enrich communities and prepare students to successfully meet life's challenges and recognize and profit from opportunities. Wyoming's seven community colleges provide affordable,…

This paper provides an in-depth review and analysis of literature on dropping out from school, and focuses on children who have gained access, but fail to complete a basic education cycle. The main discussion is around why and how children drop out from school. Here drop out is not presented as a distinct event, but rather a process where a range…

Using data from Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count, this issue looks at changes in cohort composition. The analysis addresses the changing composition of the Achieving the Dream student cohorts from 2002 to 2005. The data show that at Achieving the Dream colleges, the percentage of Hispanic students increased over the four cohorts…