A Higher Education Research Institute pilot study of the reputations of undergraduate departments is discussed. The intent of the study was to quantify the subjective judgments of undergraduate departmental quality and to investigate the association of ratings on different criteria and for different types of institutions. (MLW)

The trend toward an increasing proportion of research and doctoral institutions in higher education is examined, based on an analysis of changes in Carnegie classifications since 1976. Results suggest that the graduate/research model and the prestige associated with doctorate-level education are strongly attractive, despite pressures to…

Analysis of six reputational rankings of English departments since 1925 indicates most of the highest-ranking departments have been in private universities. There has been great stability in the highest-ranked departments during this period, with few entering or leaving the group. (Author/MSE)

A national survey of 75 directors of doctoral programs in higher education found that program missions are greatly affected by their reputation, governance, and organizational structure. High-reputation programs are distinctive in a variety of ways. Less prestigious programs may be able to capitalize best on local and regional missions.…

Examined relations between characterological versus behavioral self-blaming attributions for victimization and maladjustment in middle school students. Found that self-perceived victimization was associated with characterological self-blame, loneliness, anxiety, and low self-worth. Peer-perceived victimization was related to peer acceptance and…

The massive sex scandal that rocked the Roman Catholic Church raises a question as to whether Catholic identity remains an asset that the nation's 8,000 Catholic schools should continue to promote. This case study found that continuing to promote Catholic identity has had no adverse effect on recruitment and enrollment at four Omaha, Nebraska,…

The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) regularly evaluates the experience of international students in Canada through a benchmarking survey. Canada First 2009 represents the fourth time CBIE has conducted this research. Previous editions appeared in 1988, 1999 and 2004. This year's survey used a revised questionnaire similar to…

In an effort to gauge student perceptions of campus climate, the 1995 Spring Student Survey at Glendale Community College (GCC), in California, included a section requesting student feedback on the college. The section consisted of 14 sets of paired words, such as inexpensive and expensive, and students were requested to indicate the extent that…

This paper draws on the findings of a major research project funded by the New South Wales Department of School Education (Australia) which sought to examine the school-community interface and communication in comprehensive high schools. Data were drawn initially from nine schools in western Sydney, with three of these schools being the subject of…

The way that students structure the colleges they choose among in a particular educational market is analyzed with a sample of 408 locally-college-bound high school seniors from 16 area schools. In January and February 1985, the College Image Questionnaire was administered to the seniors. The students judged the similarity (psychological distance)…

The impact of factors related to professional socialization on job satisfaction and retention among faculty members in research university schools of nursing was studied. The impact of professional communication on clarity of professional role was also assessed. The study sample was drawn from nurse faculty members from schools of nursing which…

Predictors of success in the law firm were studied through interviewing and survey administration. Selected partners at several of the top 100 law firms were interviewed, and 600 alumni of 2 elite law schools were surveyed. The alumni sample was comprised of 150 members of 2 graduating classes from the 2 institutions; those who graduated 7 and 8…

A representative sample of 987 entering freshmen (45 percent male and 55 percent female) at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), were surveyed regarding their attitudes and demographic characteristics during two-day summer orientation sessions. The typical UMCP freshman was from an upper-middle class home, earned at least a B average…

Two aspects of recent trends in Black college attendance patterns are examined: the proportion of Blacks at various institution types and the distribution of Black students among institution types. Issues relating to institutional quality or reputation and Black enrollment are discussed. White enrollment data are included for comparison. (MSE)

Phenomenological study examined the social experiences of eight rural parents who stood up for their child at school. Main themes characterizing their experiences were: (1) parents know the teachers and principal; (2) it is common knowledge in the community whenever a child has a problem at school; and (3) what happens at school can change…