Residential liberal arts colleges in general, and highly selective ones in particular, produce a pattern of consistently positive student outcomes not found in any other type of American higher education institution. They also effect a reasonable balance between undergraduate teaching and scholarly research, and incorporate a wide range of…

A fair amount of what we know about college students and how they are affected by their college experience has been learned from the data gathered in the Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP). In this article, CIRP's founder surveys the past, present, and future of the thirty-seven-year-old program. (Contains 12 references.) (GCP)

Originally published in March/April 1996, reviews the interconnections between two national reports, "Involvement in Learning," and the "Student Learning Imperative." Focuses on the issue of shared values and demonstrates how student affairs professionals can utilize the most recent research to realize the full potential of the…

Although diversity of college students may be desirable, the mix of widely differing characteristics, needs, and attendance patterns makes it very difficult to create community and strong peer group relations. When colleges create conditions for strong student bonds and involvement, they may contribute to higher retention. (MSE)

An institution that exists primarily for its own sake--that identifies itself primarily in terms of its resources and reputation--compromises its capacity as an instrument for improving society. Colleges need to transcend their institutional egos and concern themselves with their impact on students and society. (MLW)

A national study of 82 college outcome measures on 25,000 students from 1985-89 looked at the relationship of outcomes, institutional environment (emphasis on institutional, student, or faculty diversity), and campus activism. Results suggest emphasis on diversity in all forms is beneficial to student development and also promotes student…

A review of national college student surveys since 1966 reveals that trends in student attitudes focusing more on material goals and less on social problems are beginning to reverse direction. There is growing evidence of increasing orientation toward social activism and protection of the environment. (Author/MSE)

Discusses interconnections between the following two national reports: (1) Involvement in Learning; and (2) The Student Learning Imperative. Reviews recent research on student development in order to demonstrate how student affairs professionals can use this information to enhance learning. (SNR)

The annual ACE/UCLA Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) surveys of American freshmen show a major movement in certain generalized political self-identification labels. The direction has been from liberal to middle-of-the-road. (MLW)

Changes in student attitudes, beliefs, self-concepts, and behaviors are reviewed, and findings on their satisfaction with various aspects of the college environment are summarized. Also discussed are sex differences and patterns of student development and their implications for both governmental and institutional policy. (AF)

Results of a longitudinal study of student experience at over 200 4-year colleges are summarized. The study focused on student outcomes and how they are affected by college environments. Key findings are discussed for three areas: academic development, personal development, and satisfaction. (MSE)