In spring 1997, a study was conducted to examine whether institutional contact with the student (in the form of a retention award) has a positive effect on student persistence. An experimental design was used to conduct the study. A sample of students was drawn based on their academic performance in Spring 1996. First-time students with long-term…

In response to findings from a study of community college students' motivations for studying a foreign language that indicated that many students cited "personal fulfillment," a second study was undertaken to determine factors that affected students' sense of fulfillment. Specifically, the study sought to determine the relationship between…

As part of a districtwide follow-up study, California's American River College (ARC) surveyed 2,678 former students from 1993-94 to gather information on student outcomes and characteristics. This report presents findings for the college by academic program. First, a brief discussion of survey methodology is provided, indicating that surveys were…

As part of a districtwide follow-up study, California's Cosumnes River College (CRC) surveyed 1,398 former students from 1993-94 to gather information on student outcomes and characteristics. This report presents findings for the college by academic program. First, a brief discussion of survey methodology is provided, indicating that surveys were…

This resource guide was developed to provide information about programs and services for students with disabilities at Florida's community colleges. Each of the 28 community colleges has a two-page section, outlining: highlights of the institution; admission procedures; available publications; college statistics; services provided for specific…

In an effort to determine which factors most consistently identified incoming at-risk students, Prince George's Community College (PGCC), in Maryland, conducted a longitudinal study of fall 1990 entering freshmen without previous college experience. After dividing the cohort into at-risk categories (e.g., age, study load, racial background,…

To gather more accurate data on outcomes for remedial programs at McLennan Community College, in Texas, a study was conducted to track the progress up to spring 1994 of all 743 full-time, degree-seeking, first-time-in-college students who entered in fall 1991, including students not needing remediation and those not completing their remedial…

This report examines the effects of 3 successive years of tight state budgets, rising student fees, layoffs of part-time instructors, and reduced class offerings on the ability of California community colleges to meet constituent needs. Drawing from interviews with college administrators, faculty members, state officials, and educational…

Project AFFIRM (African-American First Investment Return Module) was established at Evergreen Community College in fall 1989 as a comprehensive academic and support program to help African-American students achieve their college transfer or associate degree goals. AFFIRM courses combine career and economic prosperity components into life plan…

This action plan for Centralia College in Washington attempts to establish achievable goals, measurable objectives, and appropriate timelines to improve the participation and success of people of color at the college, as both students and staff. Introductory material explains the state mandate for colleges to develop action plans, the way in with…

This study of student-facilitated study groups at Brooks Community College explores how students structured the study group experience and what type of interaction occurred during the group sessions. The study groups were created for high content introductory courses in which high percentages of students had been unsuccessful. Student leaders were…

A project was undertaken at San Juan College, in New Mexico, to examine findings from several studies of student persistence and retention to shed light on factors influencing persistence at the college. The project took into account several definitions of persistence, including re-enrollment in the subsequent semester (semester to semester),…

A study was conducted at the Community College of Allegheny County, in Pennsylvania, to compared the level of preparedness in an intermediate algebra course for students who placed directly into the course and those who had tested into and completed a basic algebra course. Placement test scores, algebra course grades, and repeat status were…

In September 1994, Vincennes University (VU), in Illinois, conducted a broad-based survey of student and community perceptions as a part of its self-study process in preparation for North Central Accreditation (NCA) in 1995. The survey instrument was distributed via a single mailing to all 15 trustees, all 972 full-time employees, all 353…

Intended as a forum for the discussion of postsecondary accreditation, this book addresses pragmatic issues such as constituent satisfaction, cost, and redundant efforts, as well as such strategic concerns as accreditation's potential to provide leadership in the areas of transfer, articulation, and general education. The following 10 chapters are…