A portfolio assessment process was implemented in the Special Education Division of Central Washington University's teacher education program. The portfolio assessment was designed as an "end of major" assessment with three goals: provide a continuous assessment of the program of studies, determine the quality of program graduates, and…

This report summarizes the results of a statewide survey of nonreturning freshmen (n=621) at Maryland public 4-year campuses. The former students were asked about the factors that were most instrumental in their departure from their institution, their reaction to their college experience, their likelihood of re-enrolling, and their level of…

Matriculation legislation, instituted in California in 1986, intended to develop a program of services to guarantee equitable access and success to all students who enroll in community colleges. In an effort to evaluate the success of its matriculation efforts, Sierra Community College (California) conducted a survey of 1,044 students in 1990. The…

Recognizing the need to extend a variety of academic and student support services to its adult and commuting students, East Tennessee State University initiated a Center for Adult Programs and Services. The center, a collaborative effort of the Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, offers a broad array of programs and services to…

An academic characteristics profile database for freshmen at the Pennsylvania State University is briefly described. The database was constructed through the Freshman Testing, Counseling, and Advising Program (FTCAP), which is designed to assist new freshmen in evaluating their educational plans by providing them, prior to initial registration, a…

Specific access and retention studies and programs focused on minority students at the undergraduate level are reviewed, along with recent research on general retention efforts. General retention strategies concern: pre-enrollment, admissions, financial aid, orientation, academic programs, faculty-student interaction, counseling and advising,…

A project was implemented at Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) in Florence, South Carolina to develop a retention plan for high-risk and probationary students. The project involved the following components: a literature review on retention strategies, visits to state-of-the-art model two-year college retention programs, studies of…

The academic achievement and attrition of high school equivalency students attending Brandon University, a small undergraduate Canadian university, were studied, as were the students' reactions to college life. The students, who received a high school equivalency certificate after completing the Tests of General Educational Development (GED), were…

Results of a national survey, "Attracting and Retaining Adult Learners" (ARAL), by the American College Testing Program are summarized. Attention is focused on programs and services that have been successful with adult learners. ARAL respondents were from three types of institutions: (1) those for whom adult learners represent a primary thrust of…

Basic facts of collegiate life, key elements for scholastic success, and sources of help are described to assist students. Special strategies that are needed to make it through college are explained, based on approaches that have worked for many students as well as the recommendations of teachers and counselors. Attention is directed to: reasons…

Detailed information and recommendations are offered for helping students through each step of the admissions process, from planning for college to enrolling and selecting courses. The handbook is designed for college admissions officers, student services professionals, registrars, and secondary school counselors and administrators. The 32…

Issues pertaining to underprepared students in colleges are addressed in five papers and an annotated bibliography. In "Can Higher Education Be Equal and Excellent Too?" K. Patricia Cross claims that colleges can provide equal access and quality if major changes are made concerning such outmoded practices as faculty-load formulas and…

Suggestions for meeting the needs of returning adult students at The Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington Campus, are presented. The suggestions resulted from meetings involving undergraduate adult representatives and faculty organizational officers. Recommendations are offered regarding: orientation, financial aid, book loan fund, the…

An instrument was designed to survey students' impressions of Bowie State College (Maryland), with attention to administration, counseling and academic support services, and course loads. The research population consisted of students participating in the Special Services project at the college. Questionnaires were returned by six students, five…

This collection of essays focuses on contemporary issues for two-year college education related to instruction, students, and faculty. The following essays are included: (1) "Entrance Testing at Community Colleges," by Patricia McElroy; (2) "Academic Advising in the Community College," by Ann Houpt; (3) "New Jersey Community College General…