A discussion of new technologies and strategies for monitoring college student progress identifies four stages of developing information systems: (1) problem definition and systems specification; (2) data extraction and synthesis; (3) data analysis; and (4) dissemination. Some trends in use of data sources, analysis types, tracking capabilities,…

This study used LOGO II, an instrument designed to assess students' learning and grade orientations, with a freshman class and again 4 to 5 years later when the same students (N=174) were seniors at the University of Montevallo (Alabama). To determine if there were differential effects for different majors, the data were disaggregated by major.…

A reliable and valid technique for measuring college participation rates is proposed, based on national data. The objective is to determine if factors other than state demographic factors systematically influence college attendance by state. Multiple regression equations are used to predict enrollments by using demographic variables such as…

Topics concerning the adult learner that are relevant to institutional researchers are addressed in four articles: marketing, predicting success for adult students, enrollment projection, and follow-up studies of adult learners. In "Institutional Research in Support of Marketing the Adult Student," Lydia Jurand notes the importance of…

An input-output model for studying student outcomes is examined, along with the results of a longitudinal study using this approach. An Entering Student Survey was designed to measure characteristics of incoming students, including demographics, expectations, and aspirations. A Follow-up Survey measured outcomes that were relevant to the college's…

A study investigated indicators of student academic performance in six samples (n=911 each) of men and women students from 19 baccalaureate, 27 master's, and 29 doctoral granting institutions. Measures of achievement gains associated with three good educational practices (faculty-student contact, cooperation among students, active learning) were…

Arizona State University has created longitudinal student files capable of tracking each student's curricular and financial aid history from entry until graduation. The structure of the files, their creation and maintenance, and their evolution over the years are described. Uses of the files to conduct different kinds of studies to inform…

This guide is intended to provide the researcher with a systematic approach to the grant application process and assists the researcher in developing a competitive and successful application. The major elements of the application process are addressed in seven sections. Part 1 presents the main choices which must be made at the beginning of the…

Using data from a nationally representative survey of college faculty teaching introductory courses, a study compared the course planning procedures of faculty (n=2,311) in eight disciplines: English composition, history, sociology, psychology, mathematics, fine arts, languages, and business. No key differences were found between full- and…

The study tested a structural equation model of community college enrollment patterns of White and Hispanic males and females and the invariance of parameter estimates among subgroups. High school preparation in mathematics and science (M/S), M/S attitudes, M/S enrollment patterns, parent education, encouragement, and high school grades were…

Focusing on the changing roles of institutional researchers (IRs) due to the widespread distribution of computer technology, this monograph explores the effective application of IR skills to maximize the impact of research on campus policy making. The discussion is centered around three major principles guiding institutional research: know the…

This book presents 11 papers which consider the central issues, methods, and resources for work in institutional research in higher education. The primer uses the idea of a "cookbook" or "manual" for its conceptualization, organization, and format. The chapter topics focus on what are expected to be the key issues facing…

Using institutional data, this paper presents a model to enable researchers and enrollment managers to assess the effectiveness of financial aid packaging policies in light of student characteristics and institutional market position. The model uses discriminant analysis and a series of hypothetical financial aid award scenarios to predict the…

University of Hartford's decision-support system for enrollment management, which uses fourth-generation software tools, is described, with attention to the conceptual framework, design and implementation plan, and progress to date. The university's planners, institutional researchers, and admissions and financial aid officers are cooperating in…

Explains how the San Francisco Community College District uses data gathered via a student information questionnaire (SIQ) in making management decisions regarding transportation and parking facilities, location of facilities, student services, and program planning and evaluation. Describes SIQ methodology. (DMM)