A 1984 Carnegie Foundation national survey of 5,000 college students is discussed. Responses from liberal arts colleges were compared with those from all other non-specialized four-year institutions. Student attitudes toward general education, college mission, undergraduate education, campus life, faculty, and interaction with faculty members are…

Community-based colleges have emerged over the last 15 years to serve primarily low-income adults who have been excluded from the mainstream of American social, economic, and political life. A Ford Foundation study concludes that these colleges provide an important option.

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…

The qualitative differences in the experiences and outcomes of blacks who attend white colleges and blacks who attend black institutions were explored in a national study. The study of 1,600 students enrolled in 16 public universities provides insights for improving the prospects for black participation in higher education. (MLW)

A Grinnell College (Iowa) study investigated whether students (n=200) felt that balanced discussion of racial/diversity issues was possible and why they did or did not want to discuss the issues. Most thought balanced discussion was impossible, feared a single viewpoint would dominate, and feared reprisal for speaking against the dominant…

The population of immigrants to the United States is both growing and changing, and entering an economy in transition. A recent study focused on their impact on access to higher education and on the institutions themselves, including efficiency of operation and campus diversity. Unresolved issues include need for English language skills, student…