Describes a study of students at Northern Illinois University (NIU) conducted to determine the characteristics, attendance patterns, grade point averages, and degree attainment of students who initiated their postsecondary education at a four-year college, transferred to a community college, and then transferred to NIU. (AYC)

The 1963 freshman class accumulated a graduation rate of 15 percent over four years, 31 percent over five years, and 42 percent over 11 years. First semester grade point average is a useful predictor of academic success. It separates graduates from nongraduates, and roughly predicts time to graduate and semesters attended for nongraduates. (MSE)

Examines educator drop out rates in Illinois and reveals that this problem is not as great as has been reported in the media. (FL)

Proposes human potential seminars on topics such as "study skills" or "library use" as alternatives to traditional freshman orientation courses. Examines the implementation of the seminars at Lurleen B. Wallace Junior College and discusses their effectiveness in improving the self-concept and retention of high-risk students.…

A survey of undergraduates at Scarborough College (Canada) shows that students withdraw because jobs become available and not because of educational costs. Lessening of commitment to a college education is also a factor. (MSE)

Descriptive data from a questionnaire completed by 1610 freshmen at a community college were used to identify potential dropouts. High school average, curriculum, reasons for going to college, certainty of occupational objectives, parental attitudes toward college, and college rating were significantly related to intention to persist. (RC)

Describes the activities and outcomes of a "Student Success Week" held by Mercer County Community College in April 1979 to involve students, faculty, and staff in the development of recommendations for actions or programs to increase student retention. Discusses the incorporation of the recommendations into the 1979-1980 college plan.…

Performance and persistence on the Concealed Figures Test and the Embedded Figures Test decreased: (1) after short-duration failure when subjects were falsely led to attribute failure to task difficulty; and (2) after long-duration failure when subjects were falsely led to attribute failure to lack of ability. (CP)

Cites references from the ERIC junior college collection which relate to retention and persistence in the community college and includes a bibliography of doctoral dissertations on the subject. (AYC)

In a study of the effectiveness of a faculty/student mentoring program at a large urban university, 339 undergraduate students assigned to mentors were matched with nonmentored students based on gender, ethnicity, grade point average (GPA), and entering enrollment status. Results showed a higher GPA, more units completed per semester, and lower…

A study investigated the influence of tuition charges and financial aid packaging to adult undergraduate students on within-year persistence. Results indicated that adult undergraduates are more likely to be from disadvantaged backgrounds and more responsive to tuition rate than traditional college-age students, and that adults enrolled in public…

A case study of a state advocacy group identifies four advocacy phases: educating all about the legislative process, building relationships, getting technical help, and setting goals; gaining recognition and learning to compromise; following a victory by publicizing the benefits and developing regulations; and maintaining relationships and…

Examines the impact of demographic variables, high school and pre-transfer college academic characteristics, transfer student cohort, and post-transfer college academic characteristics on bachelor's degree completion. Reports that subjects included 1,327 transfer students, and that significant variables included cohort group and ethnicity.…

Discusses internship programs in teacher education, highlighting how the University of California San Diego's secondary internship credential program contributes to development and retention of secondary teachers. The internship provides an intense relationship among novices, skilled professionals, and research faculty. Evaluation of the program…

Uses autobiographical narratives by authors and student collaborators to construct a criticism of retention programs and these programs' promotion of institutional racism. Examines historical deculturization, the objectification of students of color, and the power-knowledge nexus. Concludes with suggestions for establishing the credibility of…