Four Native American graduate students from Harvard University discuss experiences that led them to pursue advanced degrees, challenges they have experienced in higher education, the relevance of their cultures and languages to their education, the racism encountered in their college careers, and resources they have created to help support them in…

A survey was sent to 106 African American doctoral recipients in sport and exercise science disciplines. Of these, 74, or 69.8% responded. Data analysis indicated that most respondents were extrinsically motivated to enroll. Persistence was influenced by institutional factors like financial aid and academic support services. (SM)

Using self-determination theory, the authors tested a motivational model to explain the conditions under which rural students formulate their intentions to persist in, versus drop out of, high school. Analyses showed that the provision of autonomy support within classrooms predicted students' self-determined motivation and perceived competence.…

Suggests that the quality of cultural resilience enables some Native American students to overcome difficulties and complete their education. Identifies these cultural factors as spirituality, family strength, elders, ceremonial rituals, oral traditions, tribal identity, and support networks. Describes the Family Education Model developed by…

A 10-year comparison of graduates from 4- and 5-year teacher education programs reveals that 5-year graduates enter teaching at higher rates and stay in teaching longer. They are happier with their careers, judge their teacher preparation as better, and rate their teaching abilities higher than do their 4-year counterparts. (IAH)

Summarizes reports on the status of Hispanics at California State University and the University of California. Discusses Californians rapidly growing young Hispanic population; Hispanic student access, enrollment, persistence, and graduation; and the hiring, retention, and promotion of Hispanic faculty and administrators. Contains 18 references.…

A study of 535 students in probation or suspension status at the University of Toledo's University College, 77 percent of whom were adults, revealed patterns of enrollment, transfer, attendance, course load, and course completion. The results are presented and a special intervention program created after the study is described briefly. (MSE)

Presents a research-based model of student persistence. Concludes that high school academic achievement, needs for financial aid and employment, day/evening status, goal commitment, and expected student/college fit have primary effects on persistence, while background characteristics and academic self-confidence have secondary effects. Explains…

Studies higher education practices to recruit and retain Hispanic women. Examines college experiences of two classifications of Hispanic women at University of California: those who had attended private or specialized public schools and those who attended general private or public schools. Suggests Hispanics not readily accepted, causing low…

The grade-point averages, Medical College Admission Test scores, and Student Progress Committee ratings of 75 minority students who had attended a preparatory program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine were analyzed to determine how these variables related to the retention and progress of these students in medical school.…

Recent studies in South Australia and Western Australia have shown that approximately one-third of all students fail to graduate, with the largest dropout occurring by the end of the first year of higher education. Research on student retention is discussed and steps to improve retention are suggested. (MLW)

Reviews the literature for empirical evidence of the impact of financial assistance on minority participation and retention in higher education. Recommends further research on minority subgroups in varied institutional settings in diverse geographic areas. (FMW)

A survey of 95 students withdrawing from dental school investigated the reasons for dropping out. Predental school academic achievement was not found to be a significant predictor of withdrawal, but curricular and professional concerns were most commonly cited, followed by economic issues. (MSE)

Areas of change and nonchange in college faculty employment since the 1950s are examined, particularly as they affect faculty mobility. External factors (prestige, labor market, public opinion) and internal factors (the department structure, institutional policy, and changes within disciplines) are discussed. (MSE)

A study of 233 nontraditional-age and 92 traditional-age university students investigated the utility of Vincent Tinto's model of student attrition for age-related sensitivity. Student variables considered include demographic, individual, educational, academic integration, social integration, and commitment factors. Results suggest the model fits…