If colleges and universities were to examine closely the results of research on student persistence, they would find several ways to change their academic organization to promote greater educational community among students, faculty, and staff, including supporting connected learning experiences; reorganizing the first year of college; and…

As private colleges approach the turn of the century, they must again operate independent of government support, using enrollment management principles in increasingly sophisticated ways. They will rely more on institutional research to provide both predictive and management tools. Institutional researchers, enrollment managers, and data…

Societal changes will continue to have profound effects on postsecondary education in the twenty-first century. Advances in information technology will require institutional researchers to balance quantity and quality of information, data on multiculturalism must be better used, the political context will make international exchange of information…

A survey of 466 students in a large, urban commuter college investigated the relationship of student finances to academic persistence. Results suggest that financial aid (1) equalizes opportunities for students, thus decreasing attractiveness of alternatives, (2) facilitates academic and social integration, and (3) increases student commitment to…

Addresses the need for institutional-level research on minority college student persistence and choice of academic major, discussing the importance and benefits of such research. A two-stage case study illustrates the utility of institutional research. Implications of the campus-based model of the study are discussed. (SLD)

A study attempted to identify the college types that benefit most from federal student aid by examining how institutional quality, institutional mission, and average student costs of attendance covaried with students' average grant, loan, and work-study aid awards in 254 4-year public and 499 4-year private colleges and universities. (Author/MSE)

A survey of the educational outcomes of master's programs in social work (64 responses) found that knowledge acquisition is generally evaluated course-by-course, with traditional methods; qualifying examinations for advanced study are not common; and only a third of institutions conduct comprehensive examinations. Accountability implications are…

Introduction of the Total Quality Management approach in college administration can create a new awareness of class distinctions among employees and a new demand for respect, dignity, and equity, all essential characteristics of an effective organization. Such employee empowerment has been effective at the University of Rhode Island. (Author/MSE)

The Smeal College of Business Administration at the Pennsylvania State University selected its advising center as the pilot unit for a continuous quality improvement project using Total Quality Management principles. It was found that a quality improvement culture evolves when team practices are carried into the everyday office environment.…

Oregon State University has created a permanent administrative position responsible for providing universitywide administrative and technical support for implementation of Total Quality Management. Introductory, strategic, team, and special-topic training are provided. Communication with the university community is a primary responsibility. The…

Presents a series of ideas for educational reform, some drawn from the author's previous works. Experimentation is badly needed to see what will work at every level of education. Suggestions include encouragement of single-sex schooling and endorsement of allowing college curricular authority to reside with faculty. (SLD)

Colleges and universities have begun to benefit from advancing technology. Considering the problems higher education faces and the potential that enterprise-wide information access offers, institutional leaders must look ahead and decide where to invest in information technology support to achieve maximum benefits in quality improvement and cost…

A study investigated the relationship of learning style, academic success, and gender in students in a highly selective combined baccalaureate/medical degree program. Freshmen (n=100) at the University of Missouri Kansas City medical school participated. Learning styles of this group appear to be similar to those in other medical programs.…

Describes two state-mandated programs for institutional accountability in New Jersey (i.e., Basic Skills Assessment Program and College Outcomes Evaluation Program), which function through cooperation between the state's higher education agency and its colleges and universities. Highlights research objectives, procedures, responsibilities,…

Proposes a role for institutional research in changing institutional attitudes about priority placed on student retention efforts. Identifies organizational/attitudinal barriers to improving student retention efforts relative to theory on stages of grief (denial, hostility, bargaining, depression, acceptance); outlines tactics for moving the…