A preliminary summary is presented of a national survey, entitled "What Works in Student Retention," conducted in spring 1979 by the American College Testing (ACT) Program and the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. The purpose of the survey was to identify, analyze, and compile information about campus action programs and…

The purpose of this study was to report long-range effects of group counseling and the college growth experience of students who were identified as underachievers and were enrolled as freshmen during the fall of 1969. Five variables were selected for this study as having possible influence on self-concept: (1) group, (2) education, (3) status, (4)…

The influence of previous college involvement, organizational characteristics, early career experiences, and current self-concept on the intention of college dropouts to resume their college education is examined. (Author/MLW)

Colleges and universities are increasingly committed to achieving enrollment stability through raising student retention rates. The student retention model is designed to guide institutions toward enhancing both involvement and institutional fit for as many students as feasible, thereby increasing student retention. (MLW)

A study examined social and personal factors affecting the decision process of Australian secondary school students choosing university study and the effects of student background factors in higher education participation generally. The complex patterns of factors operating differentially in the high school years are interpreted through…

Examined whether or not participation in a college discovery program was useful in the retention or attrition of educationally underprepared Black freshmen (N=137). Found the role of the counselor and the scope of counseling services during the freshman year to be of primary importance in the retention of educationally underprepared Black college…

This is a report analyzing the multiple community college attendance patterns of students from nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District (California) from 1990-2000. The assessment utilizes the Multiple College Index (MCI), which is a measure based on the proportion of units a student earns at different colleges. The study…

This publication is the third annual report and focuses on the expansion and results of the program after three years. The General Appropriations Act passed by the 78th Legislature contained a rider (Rider 29, page III-58) which continued the HEA Pilot Program for the current biennium. The rider requires that prospective students in high schools…

Geographic demographic characteristics of 120 Kentucky counties were utilized to group counties with similar characteristics. ACT test results, demographic data, and enrollment data for high school graduates enrolled in Kentucky state-supported colleges were analyzed to determine whether geographic origin influenced college attendance. (Author/MLW)

Describes an ethnographic study of 126 developmental mathematics students at a 4-year college to determine characteristics related to success in the course and subsequent retention. Reports that student attendance and engagement strongly influenced success. Lists recommendations for improving student engagement. A list of observed student…

For every American birth cohort, 1905-80, social background effects declined at higher grade levels. However, in the 1980s, as tuitions rose and public college funding declined, social background became more important for college entry than for high school completion. Findings challenge the "selective attrition of the disadvantaged"…

Compares the high school varsity sports participation of Black, Hispanic, and White students and college attendance by reanalyzing data from the High School and Beyond Survey. Finds a positive correlation between high school athletic participation and academic achievement as represented by college entrance for all three groups. (FMW)

Describes the status of women, blacks, and Hispanics in American higher education and the challenges they face in American institutions. Suggests that, because women and minorities serve as reference groups and role models, their success constitutes important feedback for other aspirants; thus, systematic and concerted efforts must be made to…

Examines gender differences in college attendance decisions, employing National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data. Uses a human-capital model stressing family characteristics and expected future earnings differential between college and high school graduates. The higher the college wage premium, the more likely men are to attend college. Women's…

The study uses individual data from the Canadian Labour Force Survey to consider economic factors in university participation decisions by persons aged 17-24 from 1976 to 2003. The level of real tuition is one economic factor that may affect the university participation decision. There is also regional variation in the opportunity cost of…