Issues in the recruitment and retention of minority graduate students are examined in interview format. Issues include the funding and administration of graduate programs, faculty attitudes, the effectiveness of affirmative action efforts, institutional incentives for faculty and departmental involvement, and difficulties in convincing public…

Determines the relative degree of five personal (academic) attributes and five motivational variables found in a sample of successful Mexican American students. Subjects possessed all five personal attributes and four of the motivational variables. Concludes that Mexican American students possessing these attributes and variables can enjoy…

Reviews the current status of assessment programs in higher education, arguing that comprehensive assessment programs will increase the likelihood that minority college students will persist and graduate. Components and design of comprehensive assessment programs created for this purpose are described. Three recommendations for culturally…

A study investigated the effectiveness of intervention, by interview, with 111 first-year college students identified as at risk in their adjustment to college. Effects were analyzed in terms of score change on scales of adjustment, first-year grade point average, first-year course credits earned, and continuance of enrollment. (Author/MSE)

Describes findings from focus-group discussions involving 18 2-year college students previously enrolled in other 2- and 4-year institutions, reviewing students' attitudes toward present academic setting, educational and career goals, and expectations for receiving transfer credit. Compares findings with previous interviews of two-year college…

Part-time graduate students, particularly from minority groups, find that time management and sacrifice are necessary for success. Problems encountered include balancing jobs and academic work, difficulties integrating into the institution's graduate culture, and the need to cut back on some personal activities. However, part-time study…

Investigates the probability of attaining a baccalaureate degree for students from community colleges who transferred to a 4-year college, using data from the 1980 class of the High School and Beyond Survey (1,899 4-year students compared with 422 transfers). Probability of a degree was equivalent for both groups. (SLD)

Reviews literature on informal interaction of college students and faculty. Discusses role of student-faculty interaction with regard to effect on students' academic achievement, satisfaction with college, intellectual and personal development, persistence and attrition, and career and educational aspiration. Research is reviewed that supports…

Describes the benefits of mentoring for African-American male students. Profiles six successful mentoring programs, highlighting the success of the Faculty Mentor Program at the University of Louisville. Presents eight recommendations for viable, effective mentoring programs to promote the retention, academic achievement, and leadership…

A survey of 203 social and behavioral science students enrolled in a graduate-level research methodology course examined the relationship between learning style and library anxiety. Found that students with the highest levels of library anxiety tend to be those who like structure, are self-motivated, lack persistence, and are peer-oriented…

A study found African-American students at a predominantly white university who participated in a freshman peer mentor program were likely to raise concerns with peers as they would not in programs promoting help-seeking. Participants reported promising rates of problem resolution following mentor interventions, had higher two-year retention rates…

Outlines techniques used by one Russian studies faculty member to enhance enrollment and retain students, including developing courses that satisfy interdepartmental requirements, advertising, catching student interest early, providing interest and relevance, initiating open class discussions, using direct study approaches, using guest lecturers…

A study examined the academic success and retention of 213 first-year female African-American students at a historically black, private, liberal arts college in the Southeast. The women were surveyed concerning their preparation and readiness for college during their first weeks on campus, and responses were compared with actual academic…

Uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to examine a college's ability to retain African American college students by highlighting those who have shown motivation to succeed. Results with a sample of 256 do not show that the most efficient and productive students in high school will perform similarly well in college. (SLD)

A study used theory elaboration to help revise Tinto's interactionalist theory of individual student departure from college to include the effects of organizational attributes on student withdrawal. Results provide strong support for including concepts from organizational theory and suggest future research should use theory elaboration to look for…