During 1977-78 Pierce College undertook a study to (1) examine major reasons for attrition; (2) determine reasons for student attendance at Pierce; (3) determine the long-range effects of academic residence at Pierce for its students; and (4) experimentally determine the effects on retention of special treatment, through a "caring ombudsman." Each…

A statewide, longitudinal study is being conducted by Los Angeles Pierce College in order to investigate several specified areas related to the students enrolled at California community colleges. The study report, which presents only Fall 1978 results, first provides background to the study and its goals and objectives. It then details the methods…