At the College of Charleston, analysis of student grades at term's end reveals significant drops in some students' grade averages. Those students are sent letters encouraging them to meet with a dean. About 60 percent respond and the letters create good will. Congratulations can also be sent to students whose grades improve. (MSE)

Four areas of concern to older students who commute are examined: mobility, integrating support systems, multiple life roles, and involvement in campus life. Implications for advising are discussed, and four roles for advisors are proposed. Three illustrative case studies based on interviews are provided. (Author/MSE)

Indicates ways in which resources for educational advising as a special library operation can be systematically developed. Six groups of advising resources, both print and nonprint, are included: college and university guides and directories, background or support works for American higher education, specialized guides and directories, guides…

A study of 78 Asian American and 66 African American students in a predominantly white research university found that while most believed in the importance of a role model, many did not have one. Many also did not feel their role models had to be from their own race. No evidence was found of role model effect on academic performance. (Author/MSE)

Suggestions are offered for responding to the communication apprehension of college students in academic advising situations. Suggestions include seeking out students, providing a comfortable setting, reducing uncertainty, setting clear expectations, providing structure, helping students take control, and helping to change negative attitudes. (MSE)

The nature of mentoring and the role of faculty in mentoring college students are discussed, and some guiding principles in the mentoring relationship are outlined. These address the quality of communication between mentor and student, the mentor's role as sounding board and knowledgeable reference, understanding one's own limitations, helping…

In a review of literature on college teaching and advising, characteristics of each are outlined and compared. Parallels between processes of teaching and advising are drawn. It is proposed that, if teachers were to transfer teaching knowledge and skills to the advising setting, they would perceive the advisor role differently. (MSE)

Although most lawsuits brought by students against a college are grounded on contract and due process theories, courts have been willing to consider students' defamation suits using tort theories. Recent changes in defamation law have engendered increased litigation and risk of liability for faculty and advisors. (Author/MSE)

Increasingly, college undergraduates are custom designing their courses of study and creating majors that allow them to combine often eclectic interests with career goals. In many cases, students' creations have had a lasting impact through development of new academic programs. Institutional arrangements for planning, advising, and monitoring…

This paper on mentoring the individual dental student and effective advising is based on survey findings from dental students and other graduate science students at the University of Maryland and the University of California (San Francisco). Discussions cover what students expect from the faculty advisor, what faculty expect from the students, and…

This paper discusses the role of mentors and the mentoring process during transition between graduate school or specialty training and the first faculty position, including the potential benefits and risks of the process. Two sets of suggestions are presented in evaluating and participating in a mentoring relationship. (GLR)

Evaluation of the academic advising system at a complex university found that most students were advised, felt general advising needs were met, and were satisfied with help received. Few felt faculty were their primary advisors, many sought help from other sources, and most spent 15 minutes or less per semester with primary advisors. (Author/MSE)

This article sheds light on the critical variables of a successful special education dissertation by presenting two advisees' and two advisors' reflections on the experience. Common attributes that may contribute to a successful dissertation are identified, including acquisition of scholarship, coursework and training experiences, perseverance,…

Describes the design, construction, administration, and results of networked campuswide placement testing for mathematics and chemistry at Stanford University. Reasons for online testing are discussed; software requirements and programing details are explained; and the impact on students and their advisors is considered. (Contains seven…

Suggests that a properly conceived British National Curriculum for English has advantages. Points to English teachers who already emphasize the power of language to express thought and feeling. Notes that the achievement of attainment targets could be offset by reduced confidence, good will, creativity, and professional involvement. Discusses…