Examines several components of effective preparation for the planning and implementation of long-term, integrated student services programs. Preassessment issues cluster around: (1) the assessment of student needs; (2) the identification of available staff and institutional resources; and (3) some initial diagnosis of campus political climates.…

Considers gay student organizations' rights at state-supported public institutions, discusses the First Amendment and the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Offers advice on the major principles and issues that should be taken into account in writing a campus policy regarding the rights of gay student organizations. (Author/RJM)

Draws on current research to note complexity of dissertation process within general context of students' graduate careers, by summarizing previous research on degree completion, analyzing tasks involved in completing dissertation, and considering implications for programs and faculty. Discusses importance of a positive faculty-student nexus of…

From their founding, American colleges have emphasized the character of college life as an important element in learning. This article reviews some elements of the historical roots of student discipline, surveys recent judicial decisions related to disciplinary rules and procedures, and suggests the ways in which different institutions could shape…

A study drew on observation and interview data to examine the early encounters of traditional-age first-year students with campus bureaucracy, focusing on their definitions and coping strategies. Though frustrated by lines, impersonal treatment, and "runarounds," most accepted bureaucracy with superficial equanimity. Results help explain how…

Seven days of entries from a student's diary offer a glimpse into the daily life of a doctoral student. Reflects on monetary difficulties, work loads, the difficulties of a woman finding an effective mentor, life as a teaching assistant, student needs, the joys of learning, teacher-student interaction, and employment worries. (RJM)

Presents a context for addressing services for the changing graduate student population. Examines forces that are driving changes in graduate education, such as student characteristics, university changes, and societal changes. Looks at completion rates, degree requirements, technological developments, economic trends, and role of the federal…

Argues that colleges need more than new techniques to engage students; they must transform college culture. Stresses that teaching and learning be the main topic of conversation, and that such conversations should be more informed and more information-based. Teaching itself can be viewed as substantive, intellectual work. (RJM)

Surveyed 140 institutions to assess the drinking behavior of fraternity and sorority members. Found that fraternity and sorority house environments appear to tolerate the hazardous use of alcohol, particularly binge drinking. A disproportionate number of students who were binge drinkers in high school become members of fraternities. (RJM)

Tests an instrument that will enable universities to assess and evaluate the effects of multicultural campus programming. The tool was validated with two studies, using a sample of university students, faculty members, and staff members. Results indicate that the inventory is both reliable and valid. (RJM)

Homosexual and bisexual students at an urban commuter university (N=33) evaluated academic and student services and commented on areas of needed improvement. Results suggest that these students experience harassment on campus and are ambivalent about the responsiveness of student services. Most students did not utilize many student services'…

Examines the impact of homogeneity and diversity in communities and in higher education. Provides an overview of affirmative action, the challenges associated with instilling difference, and some of the strategies needed to impose change. Argues that higher education must reflect the realities of society. (RJM)

Argues that although certain assumptions underlie those who have received affirmative action, these programs have produced many important successes. Examines the ironic polarizing effect of affirmative action and discusses how affirmative action should not be confused with diversity. Highlights the importance of diversity and its role in higher…

Argues that achieving cultural diversity on college campuses requires nothing less than a complete transformation of institutions of higher learning. Discusses strategies in recognizing racial and social inequality, new ways of seeing minority students, new ways of developing curriculum, and suggestions for reinventing the university. (RJM)

Discusses the dominant historic, economic, political, and social issues which affect the retention of African American college students through studies on ecological psychology. Considers the behaviors demonstrated by historically Black colleges which translate into effective retention policies or practices for predominantly White institutions.…