Although previous research provides empirical support for the "Freshman Myth," qualitative inquiry is necessary to enhance our understanding of the content, complexities, and impact of students' expectations about college. The current study analyzes in-depth interview data from nine students at three key time points in their transition from high…

Examined values systems of first-year college students and the changes they undergo during the first semester, using two different campus environments. Findings from 104 university and 86 first-year students revealed that student experiences during the first semester and/or influence of campus environment did not significantly alter their values…

This study examined the relevance of higher education institutions' existing student activity programming and its effectiveness in promoting students' multicultural learning. Employing path analysis, this study explored the level of undergraduates' participation in selected college organizations and activities and its linkage to multicultural…

Reviews the approaches of three commentators--a philosopher and academic administrator, a student affairs administrator and lawyer, and a law professor--concerning the changing nature of institution-student relationships, discussing their shortcomings and common themes along with implications for practice. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/GCP)

Examines the creation of small communities as a way of enhancing the educational experience of students at large institutions. Survey data does not support the common assumption that small-scale social environments are more conducive to positive community life than large-scale social environments. (Contains 29 references.) (Author/GCP)

The freshman year of college is usually acknowledged as a stressful time of social and academic adjustment. During this period, first-year students face many social and intellectual challenges. For high school athletes, the combined impact of college transition plus disengagement from sport can further complicate first-semester adjustment and may…

The study was designed to identify and compare campus environmental perceptions of currently enrolled seniors who transferred from junior and four-year colleges. Emphasis is placed on how the results of this study were utilized in terms of developing a specially designed transfer student orientation program. (Author)

Demonstrates how perceptual mapping techniques can be used to examine campus perceptions of African American and White students at a predominantly White institution. Reports on data collection methods and influencing factors, such as familiar locations. Provides results of a survey of 411 students, detailing initial perceptions and the validity of…

Examines the attributions college students (N=301) make toward pictures of college campus buildings. Results reveal that students attributed greater likelihood of individual success to pictures depicting modern architecture than they did to those depicting traditional architecture. (Contains 28 references and 3 tables.) (Author/GCP)

Examines the constructs that define moral development and the effect that college has on both moral development and the subsequent development of such attitudes as tolerance. Presents implications for institutional practice, especially with regard to the influence of college environment and the role of higher education in developing students.…

Considers college student anger from a holistic perspective. Survey research highlights the intrapersonal and environmental factors most associated with college student anger. The implications of these findings to student affairs work are discussed with special emphasis on the role of student affairs personnel in promoting more effective…

Survey results suggest that educators desirous of incorporating student opinion into constructive change must first assess whether or not a student activist group is truly representative of broader campus opinion. (Author/CJ)

Describes the process by which one university considered the development of a multicultural student union and the research project that was undertaken to gain information from all campus constituencies concerning the interest in such a union. Reports on student responses gathered in telephone interviews and discusses implications for other…

Uses students' responses from the dialogues of a town hall meeting to examine the beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge about racial and cultural diversity at a mid-size, predominantly white university. Four major themes emerged: perceptions about race, stereotypical beliefs about cross-cultural interactions, uncomfortable campus climate, and…

Study tests the degree of support for flexible due process in campus disciplinary hearings. Focuses on whether faculty, parent, and student expectations for due process protections vary based on the severity of the potential outcome. Results indicate that respondents expect due process protections to increase as the severity of the potential…