Attrition is defined and the importance of understanding factors affecting it at a particular institution are discussed. A retention model is presented, ways that each of the sets of variables affect attrition and methods to reduce attrition are discussed. (MLW)

Issues in evaluating the quality and effectiveness of student services for a new population of students are examined, including: the place of student development; basic services; the relationship of services to institutional mission; faculty, curriculum, and academic environment; defining quality; student information systems; and the relationship…

The differences between "persisters" and "leavers" in relation to their goals of attending college, and the effects of social and academic intergration, associated with institutional commitment is described. Implications of the research for student services are presented. (Author/MLW)

This is the nineteenth publication of a comprehensive data book by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). Sections focus on student characteristics, faculty and staff data, annual enrollment and completion data, financial data, and facilities data for the 48 community colleges in the system. Highlights for fall 2000 include: (1) 57% of…

This report on the Houston Community College System (HCCS) is divided into seven sections: General Information, Financial Information, Personnel Profile, Student Profile, Academic Achievement, Enrollment Trends, and Instructional Programs. Section 1, General Information, takes a look at Houston Community College System's (HCCS) vision, values,…

This study used reflexive photography to examine the perceptions of college freshmen at the University of Southern Indiana. A random sample of 10 first-time, full-time, degree-seeking freshmen completed an initial interview and background questionnaire and were given a 27-exposure disposable camera to take pictures that would illustrate their…

This document offers guidance to college housing officers in implementing substance-free campus housing. The guide offers reasons for supporting the establishment of substance-free residence halls; provides evidence that such living areas benefit both students and the college; and offers suggestions for setting up and maintaining substance-free…

This assessment study is a culminating activity of an eight-year initiative to facilitate gender equity and more equitable campus environments - Mentoring Institutional Equity in New York State Two-Year Colleges. Eighteen two-year colleges participated in the application and implementation of an educational equity model designed to enhance gender…

Summarizes the findings of exploratory research into factors that influence the success of minority students in schools with a predominantly White population. Observes that academic, social, and environmental barriers continue to face minorities on predominantly White campuses and presents recommendations to overcome those barriers. (MJL)

Analyzes data collected from 132 liberal arts colleges to determine the motivating factors for the presence of gender-oriented courses. Results suggest that highly ranked, nonreligiously affiliated schools are most likely to support these courses. Many also are found in larger economics departments with a high percentage of women students. (MJP)

The evolution of the Honors Program at the Community College of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) is described, focusing on faculty participation and program decisions. Central program features are practices that build an intellectual community among faculty and students, including an interdisciplinary curriculum, seminars and writing groups,…

The James Madison University (Virginia) experience in implementing the "Student Learning Imperative" is described. Challenges to be met in creating programs, services, and curricula focused on learning and a strong sense of intentionality are discussed including circumstances for change; compatibility of project and community values;…

Discussion of the evaluation of university faculty compares assessment that leads to judgment of performance (summative) and appraisal concerned with providing useful feedback (formative). Characteristics of each approach are considered, including purpose, criteria, review procedures, evaluators, recipients of results, timing, and follow-up.…

A case study explored attempts to change the culture related to sexual orientation at a small, Catholic college. Focus was on the perceptions and experiences of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students, staff, faculty, and their allies. These participants experienced a culture filled with contradictions and paradoxes. The report delineates and…

Maintains that many psychologists employed outside of research institutions are unfamiliar with traditional career strategies utilized at smaller colleges. Offers representative strategies from the traditional areas of faculty performance and evaluation: teaching, scholarship, service, and working with students. (MJP)