"Avenues to Success in College," a noncredit first-year orientation course, taught study and coping skills, familiarized students with campus facilities, and provided information about drug/alcohol use and other first-year concerns. Students completing the course earned higher average grades, were less likely to experience academic…

A study found college honors (n=231) and nonhonors (n=709) first-year students were similar in extracurricular interests, educational objectives, and some study habits; they reported differences in most other areas. Findings have implications for advising both groups, such as placement of emphasis on format of academic courses, orientation to…

High-risk college freshmen (n=72), most African-Americans, who participated in a deliberate psychological education-based orientation course that addressed minority student needs and incorporated principles of student development, achieved significant increases in cognitive development, study skills, and course satisfaction. However, achievements…

Comparison of the responses of Asian, black, and white honors students attending a first-year seminar at a large research university found that Asians differed most often from white and black students on all issues. Academic issues most often engendered group differences. Results suggest that racial subgroups in the honors student population have…

This article discusses the adjustment of ten Asian-born university students to the academic culture of an English-speaking university in the United States. Findings from a case study reveal an instrumental role played by compatriot networks in the students' adjustment process. Spindler's cultural therapy model provides the lens for an…

A study was done to examine student opinion of the campus advising services at the University of California Davis campus in Spring 1990 as a follow up to a similar study conducted in 1987. The study used the Student Opinion Survey and mailed it to a stratified random sample of 1,649 students. Of the surveys sent, 57.7 percent were returned. The…

A 2-WEEK SUMMER CAMPING PROGRAM WAS OFFERED TO 61 DISADVANTAGED STUDENTS ABOUT TO ENTER LINCOLN JUNIOR HIGH IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA. THE PROGRAM'S PRIMARY PURPOSE WAS TO EASE THE STUDENT'S TRANSITION INTO JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. THROUGH CAMPING ACTIVITIES AND SCHOOL ORIENTATION CLASSES CONDUCTED BY THE LINCOLN STAFF, CAMPERS WOULD BECOME ACQUAINTED…

A study was conducted to gather information regarding students' use of and satisfaction with the matriculation services of Miramar College (MC) in San Diego, California. A survey instrument was distributed to students in 30 randomly selected courses; responses were obtained from 29 of the 30, and a response rate of 72.9% was attained. Results of…

Matriculation legislation, instituted in California in 1986, intended to develop a program of services to guarantee equitable access and success to all students who enroll in community colleges. In an effort to evaluate the success of its matriculation efforts, Sierra Community College (California) conducted a survey of 1,044 students in 1990. The…

To help new students clarify goals, understand the demands of college, and successfully adjust to college life, Queensborough Community College (QCC), in Bayside, New York, developed the "Introduction to College" program. The program combines a 4-week orientation seminar with a writing-accross-the-curriculum approach to help QCC's…

Analysis of questionnaire responses of minority, foreign, and white graduate students at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) found that most had a positive perception of their university environment. The questionnaire was sent to a total of 920 potential respondents, of whom 284 (31%) returned completed and usable instruments. The instrument…

White, Black, and Hispanic students were studied during their transition from school or work to a community college. Students (N=71) at the College of Lake County (CLC) in Illinois attended focus groups formed according to race or ethnic group (White, Black, or Hispanic) in the spring and fall semesters to discuss their goals, experience, and…

A survey was conducted at Mesa College in San Diego, California to assess student satisfaction with the college's matriculation services. The in-class survey was administered over a 2-week period to a random sample of classes based on an 8% sample of the student population. The results of the study, based on a 78.7% response rate, included the…

In 1987, the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges initiated a three and one-half year evaluation of the statewide matriculation program, a legislatively mandated effort to assist community college students in identifying and achieving their educational goals. This report evaluates the implementation of matriculation during the…

This product of the Leadership Training Institute/Vocational and Special Education contains a series of policy papers intended to identify and address several issues that relate to providing postsecondary vocational education services to handicapped learners. Six papers address these topics and issues: (1) Legislative Issues Affecting…