Describes a study to statistically test the validity of the Organizational Climate Description Questionnaire (developed for use in elementary schools) when used in Mississippi public junior colleges. Reveals that several subscales were not appropriate for the junior college level and provides modified versions of the questionnaire based on…

Although diversity has become a social reality in U.S. higher education, certain issues concerning diversity in classroom settings have not been addressed. Despite increasing multiculturalism and diversity awareness in the U.S. educational system, the literature is still derived primarily from either monocultural assumptions or superficial…

This study examined the attitudes toward gay men and lesbians among male and female undergraduate students and graduate students at Bowling Green State University (Ohio). The subject pool included 99 students between the ages of 18 and 48. The sample included 47 males, 52 females, 60 undergraduate students, and 39 graduate students. A…

The information in this report is based on the experiences of Cornell University and the University of South Carolina in responding to the needs of gay students in their residence halls. A starter kit on developing gay issue programming for other campuses is presented which includes a Gay Programming Checklist and a description of a sample…

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) conducted campus-wide surveys on drug and alcohol use in 1977, 1983, 1987, and 1992. This survey was generated during the 1992 Fall semester. Results show that alcohol and drug use at MTSU has changed little in 15 years. The most noticeable change was the reduced use of marijuana by males. Cigarette smoking…

In 1971, 1975, and 1981, studies of faculty morale were conducted at the Ohio State University at Lima (OSU Lima). Faculty members were asked to assess their morale in relation to their college position; to evaluate campus conditions related to remuneration and benefits, teaching and research, relations with the central OSU campus, facilities and…

Proposes a decision-making model for organizing and structuring academic and occupational programs and choosing the most efficient management style. Recommends a comprehensive community needs assessment, completion of the Environmental Assessment Scale (EAS), determination of educational philosophy, and selection of appropriate college structure.…

Studies examining life in the Indiana University residence halls from an ecosystem perspective have been conducted annually since 1978 to ascertain how students evaluate a series of issues related to residential living. The 1985 study, the eighth in a series, involved a representative sample of 824 students drawn from the residence centers. The…

A random sample of students living in university housing at Miami University were surveyed about their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with three broad features of hall life: hall relationships, policies and programs; facilities and services; and staff. A list of 42 factors that were thought to relate to overall satisfaction with housing were…

A study was conducted to obtain measurements of adult student attitudes using the Mattering Scales for Adult Students in Higher Education (MHE). The MHE is designed to assess the perceptions of adult learners about their learning environment. The purpose of the scale is to learn more about the different ways in which adult learners feel they…

The validity and reliability of aggregating individuals' perceptions of college organizational characteristics to more macro units of analysis were examined. The focus was the extent to which data collected in a national study met the internal consistency criterion for aggregating perceptual data to the institution level. The study assessed key…

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington administered a 1986 University Union Spring Survey to 404 residential and nonresidential students to monitor student preferences and to evaluate their satisfaction with selected aspects of services and programs within the student union. The results revealed that students considered notices in their…

This study attempted to determine alcohol and drug use rates of students at a college located in a city with a predominant religion that promotes abstinence, and to determine what prevention strategies might be implemented to help students with drug or alcohol problems. In the fall of 1997, 612 students and 119 faculty responded to survey…

Courts have shown themselves increasingly willing to hold institutions of higher education responsible for rapes that occur on their campuses. In some instances, federal law now mandates a duty to help prevent these campus crimes. Provides a general campus security checklist. (82 footnotes) (MLF)

Institutions of higher education spend considerable resources in the recruiting, screening, and hiring processes, yet often pay little attention to acclimating new professionals to their surroundings. This document presents a step-by-step outline of how to orient new employees. The success of the new professional/institution relationship depends…