Arts staff tutors in the Yorkshire region introduced a scheme designed to offer support to students as soon as they experience problems in their studies. After grades are registered on assignments, special sessions may be offered to such students if judged appropriate by tutors. (SW)

Nontraditional, external degree components of the IPCD (Institute for Personal Career Development) packages are competency based in anticipation of the fulfillment of personal and career objectives rather than for the fulfillment of traditional classroom objectives. (ABM)

Main areas of stress experienced by married Open University students are reported, especially domestic pressures that are harmful to study. Also considered are the need for guidance, problems of finance, and attendance at summer school. (LBH)

Presents results of a market research survey conducted by Athabasca University to determine interest in a natural resources planning and management home study degree program. Responses related to employment prospects, usefulness for professional development, home-study options, degree offerings, proposed program design, and format of proposed…

The at-risk and dropout student population at the Open University was examined in a student survey. This article deals with a descriptive model of progress and withdrawal, student motivation, stages of adult development, previous educational background, interplay of characteristics and circumstances, and educational self-concept. (LBH)

This report presents the background and history of community college role in baccalaureate access in Illinois from 1901 to the present and describes the role of the Baccalaureate Access Task Force, which commenced its work in December 2004. The Baccalaureate Access Task Force was charged with examining the extent of the baccalaureate access issues…

The author comments on Cyril O. Houle's article, The Potential Audience for the External Degree. (PG)

The author comments on Barbara H. Mickey's article, Designing the External Degree Program. (PG)

A mail survey of nonaccepters of places in Britain's Open University showed the major reasons for declining were financial problems, time commitment, effects on family life, other family or personal changes, increased work responsibilities, moving, unemployment, and necessity of studying another field for work. (MSE)

A program designed to educate Open University students in Yorkshire in the use of videotape equipment for their extension courses has resulted in an unusually high rate of equipment use, especially among advanced students. Probable success factors are outlined. (MSE)

Since 1970, liaisons between the Open University and local providers of adult education have assisted in preparing adults for studying in the Open University. Two examples from joint work with the Workers' Educational Association are cited. (Author/AF)

Tutors and tutor-counselors assist individual students in the Open University. The effects on student's tutors of providing resources to tutor-counselors to offer extra sessions for first-year students who appear to need additional help are reported. (JMF)

In 1977, the National Institute of Education commissioned a study to address consumer protection concerns regarding external degree programs. Important findings are summarized and include the conclusion that the opportunity to have credits accepted for prior college work is a major attraction to external degree seekers. (JMD)

Discusses several models for administrator development suitable to small rural school districts, particularly one cooperative external degree plan. (SJL)