In general, students receiving financial aid in their freshman year show greater academic persistence than nonreceivers, but increasing amounts of aid per semester have nonsignificant negative impacts on the number of semesters attended in a four-year period. Persistence may be hampered by increasing loan burdens on students. (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…

Describes a longitudinal study of students' first two years at a Norwegian university. Reports a positive correlation between upper secondary and university success. Good study habits had a positive effect on self-confidence but did not affect grades until the fourth semester. Increasing study hours did not necessarily improve grades. (DMM)

A survey of 418 (61%) General College students (academically underprepared) demonstrated how differences on career decision-making self-efficacy, social and academic integration, and academic persistence differ according to individual and family characteristics. (SK)

Outlines development of interest in student retention studies in Britain arising from concern about the appropriate use of public money. Describes retention strategies being used within the London Institute, a federation of five art- and design-focused colleges. The aim is an overarching and interlinking strategy across a whole college, what the…

This study was designed to measure the academic success of students who transfer to and from the various institutions of higher education in North Carolina. The long range purpose of the study is to evaluate academic performance, attrition rates, and progress toward degree completion of the various transfer groups. These groups include students…

Considers explanations for the successes of Native American students at a predominantly white university. Describes the Native American Secondary Teacher Education Program, reviewing methods used by participating students to accommodate Native American cultural needs in the Caucasian higher education institution. Includes recommendations for…

Relationships between personality variables and entrance into and persistence in engineering and racial differences in personality profiles of engineering students were studied for 129 freshmen in engineering and 85 persisting engineering students. Results suggest that personality differences play a vital role in persistence but that racial…

College administrators who suspend or dismiss students who do not meet the institution's minimum academic performance standards must identify and develop sound reinstatement policies based on clearly defined criteria which measure an individual's ability to succeed. Such policies are necessary to allow potential graduates to complete their studies…

Major factors affecting a student's decision to drop a particular class were studied in 1982 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach. A total of 793 questionnaire forms were returned indicating reasons for 1,152 course drops. The most frequently cited reason was reduction in load, while change of section and change of class were…

The use of "academic forgiveness," which allows students to be considered for readmission or graduation to college, is discussed, with attention to the procedures used by nine state colleges in New Jersey. The student is allowed an opportunity for low grades or other evaluations to be removed, under certain conditions, from grade point…

A study was undertaken to locate and analyze unpublished studies on student withdrawal from Canadian universities in order to determine how many studies had been completed, what research methods were used, and what results and conclusions were reached. Letters were sent to the presidents of 51 Canadian universities requesting copies of any recent…

Specific factors related to attrition at Spring Arbor College were identified, along with several basic problems with attrition-retention studies found in a review of the literature. Using the "significant other" model, this project differed from the general research by taking a relational perspective to the problem of attrition. The…

This report focuses illustratively on two institutional concerns for which changes in the aptitude level of entering students may have implications-attrition and grading. Implications indicated that colleges, individually and collectively, need to develop systematic programs for monitoring the incidence and determining the etiology of attrition.…

This 2003 study was designed to collect data on the outcomes of short stay students, or former students who leave British Columbia's colleges, university colleges, and institutes after completing between 9 and 23 credits. Out of 2,273 former students eligible for surveying, 871 completed the survey, for a response rate of 38%. The survey collected…