Universities have grappled with declining enrollment over the past decade and have explored various strategies to boost enrollment and enhance student success. To compete with other universities nationally and align their academic calendar with traditional semesters, the university in this study transitioned from four 11-week to five 8-week…

This qualitative case study explored if and how a first-generation focused student success program fostered sense of belonging amongst first-generation college students. Utilizing the theoretical framework of sense of belonging (Strayhorn, 2012), the following research questions guided this study: (1) How do first-generation students experience a…

Several recent studies point to strong performance in economics PhD programs of graduates from liberal arts colleges. While every undergraduate program is unique and the likelihood of selection bias combines with small sample sizes to caution against drawing strong conclusions, the authors reflect on their experience at Carleton College to…

A former U.S. Commissioner of Education traces the personal influences that have made him an ardent champion of the small liberal arts college and offers some enterprising suggestions for keeping these colleges successful. (Editor/LBH)

A study of successful strategies used by several hundred small, private, liberal arts colleges for fund raising, a fund-raising model developed from the results, and suggestions for enhancing fund-raising capabilities in this sector are reported. (MSE)

This self-reflective article addresses the experiences two professors encountered when teaching a class about the popular culture of girls and boys to undergraduates at a small liberal arts college. The issues addressed include student reactions, teaching strategies, and the use of an online discussion platform and assessment. The instructors note…

Examination of 10 small private successful liberal arts colleges identified the following key characteristics: clear and articulate leadership, strong management support, collegial atmosphere, well-focused institutional mission, and continuous innovation. Colleges were Bates (Maine), Beloit (Wisconsin), Berry (Georgia), Centre (Kentucky),…