A discussion of college faculty cultures and climates explains both conceptual notions and how institutional researchers, deans, and department heads can assess and understand them. It is proposed that this information can be useful to administrators committed to understanding, supporting, and leading the faculty of their units. (Author/MSE)

A mentoring program provides a nonthreatening environment in which pharmacy students, teachers, and other professionals can risk exploring application of textbook concepts while receiving guidance and encouragement. Such relationships stimulate active learning for mentor and protege. Mentoring relationships cannot be forced, but an environment for…

A model to assess the relationships between student characteristics (especially student effort), perceived college environments, student behavior, and student achievement gains was evaluated through examination of responses of 2,271 students on the College Student Experiences Questionnaire. Academic and social effort expended were the principal…

A campus's physical presence typically serves as the "front door" for key audiences and important constituencies, creating an initial and often enduring image within the community from which it hopes to attract students, faculty, and staff. Effective real-estate management presents opportunities to design a more inviting welcome sign.…

The purpose of the study is to identify the effect of the research assessment exercise (RAE) on the balance between collegiality and managerialism in English universities. The article examines the institutional strategies for the 2001 RAE and its effect on organisational culture, identifying change in governance, management and leadership in…

The Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE) documents dimensions of quality in legal education and provides information about law student participation in effective educational activities that law schools and other organizations can use to improve student learning. This paper presents select findings from the 2007 survey administration,…

To provide access to and retain both students of color and low-income students, community colleges must change to create environments in which all students can succeed. Change strategies must focus on the core mission of the institution and rely on data regarding the experiences of students at the institution. When student data are used to inform…

The authors of this article contend that most doctoral students in the arts do not fully appreciate the meaning of their PhD, and that the current system of graduate education perpetuates this phenomenon, with each generation of professors passing down their understanding of the doctorate to succeeding generations. The authors argue that what is…

The development and application of a computer adventure game simulating the college experience for college-bound students are described. The game is intended to provide both a realistic role preview for prospective students and experience with computer interaction. (Author/MSE)

While the civil rights and social reforms of the past two decades are firmly established in some areas, other aspects of ethnic and cultural diversity are under assault on campus. The challenge for student personnel services is to take pluralism and the value of diversity seriously in decisions about standards, philosophy, and purpose. (MSE)

Research on the association between student-faculty informal, nonclass contact and various outcomes of college is reviewed and synthesized. Relevant investigations are summarized, methodological problems are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested. A conceptual model to guide future inquiry is offered and discussed briefly.…

Evaluates and discusses a program to help women returning to school make an adjustment to the college environment. Components of the program are values clarification, decision making, and assertion training. Suggestions are offered for the design and implementation of additional programs. (Author)

Argues that higher education's traditional "closed" communities contrast sharply with democratic progressive ones that are more inclusive, empowering, and diverse. Drawing on feminism and postmodernism, demonstrates why service-learning is well suited to connect relational, experiential, and constructive epistemologies with democratic progressive…

This article suggests that in college community service programs, it is widely assumed that community refers to groups off campus, and primarily or exclusively to those who have been identified as needing assistance. A more flexible and inclusive concept of community, including the campus community itself, is urged. A central issue discussed is…

Explores successful program strategies that encourage greater minority participation in graduate and professional education. Focuses on three major components: academic assistance, financial support, and mentoring. Looks at evolution of academic assistance programs, the traditional forms of financial support provided to graduate and professional…