This article presents reflections on the high dropout rate at distance education universities in general and at the FernUniversitat in particular. The introduction outlines four reasons why the dropout rate should not be as high as it is. The first chapter--on general aspects--addresses problems of definition of dropout, the astounding differences…

A Minnesota State College Common Market (MSCCM) of education program to open the resources of all 6 state colleges and permit them to move freely within the state system was proposed. The program involves full transferability of all general education requirements, and those major requirements approved by the degree-granting college, for a minimum…

The problem of student attrition at our colleges and universities has been a major concern of educators and parents alike for many years. This report has as the focal point the plight of the student-athlete in the dropout syndrome. A 5-page questionnaire designed to solicit information regarding selective screening procedures, detection of…

This article discusses the current dropout rate, as great as 70 percent in colleges and universities, and the need to alleviate this problem. (HS)

Examines some of the issues surrounding student retention in higher education, based on case study of a modern university in England that has good performance indicators. Adopts and explores the term "institutional habitus," and attempts to provide a conceptual and empirical understanding of the ways in which the values and practices of…

Presents analysis of impact of college counseling on student retention, documented with data from published study of unintentional effects of college counseling on primary and secondary prevention of dropouts. Examines both therapeutic effectiveness and economic considerations like costs and benefits. Argues for and demonstrates foundation of…

When asked to identify the greatest challenge he faces as the leader of the country's largest system of higher education, the author, a chancellor of California State University, states that the challenge is the urgent need to reach students from traditionally underserved populations--to prepare them and get them into college and then to make sure…

A plan for a college educational theatre program to educate and motivate college students who are in danger of becoming dropouts. (CH)

A three-year study compared 121 at-risk nursing students participating in Partnership in Learning for Utmost Success (PLUS) and 89 nonparticipating students. PLUS participants were more successful in terms of retention, grade point average, and graduation rate. (SK)

Discusses the increasing dropout rates at many colleges and various efforts by institutions to retain students, including a greater emphasis on smaller "learning communities," special programs for high-risk students, tuition credits, development of early warning systems. Notes, however, that some students and colleges are mismatched and that some…

When the Commission on Access, Admissions and Success in Higher Education (subsequently referred to as the commission) convened in fall 2008, the educational landscape was facing a number of issues that the commission's members recognized as formidable challenges to those students who aspire to enroll and succeed in college. Summarizing the…

Discusses programs aimed at lowering the dropout rate of minority engineering students. (MLH)

Student retention continues to be an important concern among college and university officials; many programs have been implemented at postsecondary institutions to improve student retention, especially that of minority students. This paper examines the theory and practice of program evaluation in retention-focused programs. Program evaluations…

The use of computer conferencing (CC) to support undergraduate distance learners will, presumably, lower attrition rates for distance learners by providing students with the ability to exchange ideas and develop insights with others, overcoming the intellectual and social isolation associated with correspondence courses. It will be years before…

The project reported here considers community college students who quit within a semester of study, as opposed to not finishing an entire college program. The latter subject has commanded the better part of the attention devoted to the college dropout. Community college faculty and administrative staff admit to a fairly high dropout rate for…