Discusses a study conducted to show how factors such as depression, somatization, and acculturation affect the academic performance of Mexican-American women in community colleges. Results indicate these variables have no significant relationship to academic performance. Includes 24 citations. (JDI)

Compares the grade point averages (GPA's) in mathematics and English of community college freshmen who completed developmental courses with those of students who took no remedial courses. Developmental students had significantly higher GPA's in college-level math than non-developmental students, and somewhat higher GPA's in college-level English.…

Discusses a survey administered to 306 students at a New York community college that investigated loneliness, communication apprehension, communication competence, and locus of control as predictors of persistence in telecourses. Analysis found withdrawal and withdrawal/failure in telecourses were not significantly related to the variables. (52…

Describes two methodologies utilized to evaluate developmental reading instruction at Suffolk Community College (New York). The first examined student grade point averages (GPAs), and the second compared pre- and posttest reading test scores. Finds beneficial impact on students' overall GPAs and significant gains in reading skills. Suggests the…

Describes a study conducted at four North Carolina community colleges of the relationship between completion of an orientation by new students, higher retention, and grade point averages. Indicates that completing an orientation course during the first term of enrollment promotes and improves student performance regardless of age, gender, race,…

Examines the impact of mandatory statewide implementation of increased standards with the enactment of Florida's Recognizing Achievement in Secondary Education Bill as evidenced by performance on standardized entry-level tests for community college students. Finds little improvement in academic preparation as measured by test scores. (DMM)

Offers a personal account of the changes undergone, difficulties surmounted, and incentives involved in a Mexican-American woman's achievement of a doctorate and a post as a university professor. Concludes that just as students adapt, institutions must also change to accommodate culturally diverse populations. (DMM)

Discusses student tracking system development in terms of purposes, audience, organizational issues, and data utilization. Considers benefits (e.g., facilitates reporting behavioral outcomes, and illuminates the complementary/conflicting nature of college services) and costs (e.g., direct costs for computer programing, postage, printing, etc., and…

Describes how automation has transformed the library and how super-catalogs have affected the process of doing research. Explains how faculty and librarians can work together to help students to use the available databases effectively, by teaching them Boolean logic, standard record formats, filing rules, etc. (DMM)

Describes Hawaii Community College's vocational preparation (Voc Prep) program, which focuses on basic communication, literacy, and mathematics skills to prepare students to enter vocational programs. Compares the Voc Prep learning community model, which includes vocational and basic skills instruction, personal development, and counseling, with…

Stresses the central role of academic advising in student retention. Reviews Tinto's model of retention stressing the importance of student academic and social integration. Describes studies demonstrating the predictive validity of integration for retention, and identifying attitudinal and behavioral correlates of attrition. Reviews obstacles to…

Addresses issues of open-access and educational quality. Reviews the unique mission of community colleges to educate a student population with wide-ranging academic abilities, motivational levels, and scholastic preparedness. Advocates careful assessment and placement of underprepared students, and special faculty development efforts to improve…

Reviews the efforts of the American Council on Education, Education Commission of the States, American Association of Community and Junior Colleges, and the Quality Education for Minorities Project to revitalization minority participation in higher education. Highlights encouraging enrollment trends. (DMM)

Describes a study of the college-related experiences of 1980 high school graduates who enrolled full time at one of six San Francisco area community colleges in fall 1980 and were still enrolled at the same college in fall 1984. Reports that 28 percent were concurrently enrolled in a four-year college. (PAA)

Refutes the statements that (a) community colleges do not provide an equivalent education to that given students native to a university, and (b) community colleges prevent students from earning a bachelor's degree in a timely fashion. Also asserts that the location where transfer students begin postsecondary education accounts for only 8% of the…