A 1996 survey of distance learners asked whether college administrators understood their needs as distance students. Respondents, primarily nontraditional students, complained most often about nontechnical issues such as materials distribution, overall communication, financial considerations, and knowledge of the institution's policies and…

Examines the relationship between residential learning communities and students' experiences and persistence during the first year of college. Data taken from 2,678 students indicated that the residential learning communities did not improve students' academic achievement and persistence directly, but did indirectly improve students' success by…

Illustrates the use of an undergraduate psychology club to enhance and strengthen a psychology program. Topics discussed include forming a club, club activities, recruiting members, club structure, and fund raising. Briefly reviews the formation and activities of the psychology club at Oklahoma State University. (MJP)

Used concepts from community psychology literature to elaborate a revised version of Tinto's model of individual student departure. Employed a longitudinal analysis of 718 college students. Results indicate that students' sense of community in their residence halls was a source of social integration and a precursor to student departure decisions.…

This article suggests that in college community service programs, it is widely assumed that community refers to groups off campus, and primarily or exclusively to those who have been identified as needing assistance. A more flexible and inclusive concept of community, including the campus community itself, is urged. A central issue discussed is…

Compared cohort and non-cohort graduate students' perceptions of the ethical climate of an educational administration program using the Ethical Climate Index, and their perceptions regarding the importance of ethical climate to student retention. Found that cohort students rated the ethical climate significantly more positive. Both groups…

Examines how colleges and universities can rededicate themselves to equal opportunity for minority students. Because of cutbacks in higher education and reduced opportunities for minorities at the postsecondary level, colleges and universities must make a concentrated effort to recruit and retain minority students, and to increase their chance for…

Investigates relation between religion and adjustment to college. Questionnaires were administered to freshmen (n=500) from 3 universities. Regression analyses for the total sample revealed that various religion dimensions were significant predictors of various adjustment subscales. Regression analyses for school and sex revealed a significant…

Describes the current paradigm for the community college mission and its successes and failures in meeting the needs of the colleges' constituency. Reviews changes that must be made to the paradigm to improve the success of the colleges. Argues that prior successes should not hinder the acceptance of a new paradigm. (MAB)

Describes the learning college model for community colleges, which places learning first and assumes that educational experiences should be designed for learners rather than faculty. Chronicles efforts of Oregon's Lane Community College, California's Palomar College, and Arizona's Maricopa Community Colleges to restructure into learning colleges.…

A study of University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduates (n=828) at time of graduation and after two years found job satisfaction significantly positively correlated with ratings of the college experience. Women were less satisfied with their pay than were men but not more dissatisfied with the work or more likely to be looking for another job.…

Discusses the efforts to integrate Harvard Medical School and the school's own struggle with the question of admitting black students. The author examines the school's problems with integration during the Civil Rights Era and its eventual commitment to racial integration at the prodding of Dean Robert Ebert in the late 1960s. Black progress in the…

Admissions offices of colleges trying to increase undergraduate student diversity are being criticized for failing to explain their affirmative action policies to prospective students and their parents, resulting in a backlash against affirmative action as white students fear reverse discrimination. (DB)

Young college alumni have characteristics making it difficult to involve them in alumni activities: age, lack of money, lack of time, frequent moves, family responsibilities, and possibly intimidation by older alumni. Encouraging the involvement of young alumni means changing their beliefs, letting them develop their own programs, designating…

An English teacher at Amherst College and Greenfield Community College (Massachusetts) compares characteristics and attitudes of students at the two institutions. It is concluded that, although the students differ in may ways, all are equally deserving of a safe and supportive learning environment and a sound education. (MSE)