This book presents the results and implications of a major new national study exploring the effects of institutional racial composition on African American students' development and their educational outcomes, taking into account individuals' background characteristics, their perceptions of the institutional environment, and their experiences in…

This manual, the second part of a guide to assist colleges in field-testing the survey instrument "Student Goals Exploration" (SGE), is a technical treatment for use by researchers. The SGE is a survey designed to measure student goals for attending college and for enrolling in specific courses. Section I, "About the Student Goals…

The use of a semantic differential measure to investigate the institutional image of Tufts University (Massachusetts), both internal and external, is reported. The study focused on (1) differences between the current and desired image, and (2) differences among alumni, current student, and other constituencies' views of the institution.…

Student culture exerts significant influence on many aspects of college life by determining the kinds of people with whom one spends time and the values and attitudes to which one is exposed. To encourage attitudes and values consistent with the institution's educational purpose, cultural elements must be discovered and understood. (Author/MSE)

Evaluation of the impact of prospective students' contacts with the institution is an objective of the admissions research agenda at Tufts University (Massachusetts). An annual survey gathers information on individuals who make inquiries but do not submit an application and on the parents of matriculating students. (MSE)

Sexual harassment at the University of California Davis was studied to provide information for campus officials. Attention was directed to: campus attitudes about sexual harassment; the incidence of sexual harassment among survey respondents; the circumstances and characteristics of sexual harassment incidents; the effects of sexual harassment on…

The use of contingency tables in creating a statistical profile of a college student population is explained. The method provides simultaneous cross-indexed frequency distribution of two database fields. Common uses are discussed, and application is illustrated in a hypothetical student retention study. Extensions for nonnumerical fields and…

Evaluation of college student recruitment and retention programs is complex and has limitations that must be acknowledged. It requires an ongoing commitment to evaluation and a willingness to look at such programs within the larger context of academic policies and administrative procedures. (MSE)

Although college missions, goals, and resources vary widely, institutions can assess the impact of financial aid and make strategic decisions to advance enrollment objectives. Such research requires specification of institutional goals and the relative priority of quality, quantity, diversity, and cost, and data on previous cohorts. New…

This report presents the results of the International Studies Survey of state-supported and independent institutions of higher education in Virginia designed to establish the state of international studies programs, and explore related issues among the various colleges and universities in Virginia. A secondary goal was to make this information…

The outcome of a student charge of faculty sexual harassment forced the University of Washington's administration and faculty to review institutional policies that protect the rights of one university group and offer little protection to another. The new procedures involve a more diverse juror panel and a third, neutral party. (Author/MSE)

A survey of 791 university seniors investigated the relationship of their parents' educational background and gender to their own plans for postgraduation study. Field of study was also considered. A strong effect of same-sex parent educational level on educational aspiration was noted. (MSE)

Using discriminant analysis, a study examined (1) the extent to which the new Student Adjustment to College Questionnaire (SACQ) accurately predicts student departure for a private, comprehensive university (n=1,978 students); (2) SACQ items distinguishing nonpersisters; (3) use with an incoming class; and (4) evidence linking the SACQ with…

A study (n=139 students) used hierarchical structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between intellectual development and identity from the beginning of the freshman year through the end of the sophomore year. Results suggest that the college freshman's sense of identity is important in later intellectual development. Intervention…

Two types of national data sets are described and used to analyze minority student equity in higher education: longitudinal survey data for tracking student persistence and cross-sectional data for monitoring the performance of institutions. Development of additional data sets of institutional characteristics that can provide true explanatory…