Historically, by focusing on entering student characteristics, higher education has looked at the problems students bring to an institution. It is time to shift the framework from just assisting or accommodating those who are different to creating a campus world that is not alien and promotes success. (MSE)

This paper intends to begin a conversation about and suggest some principles for building more inclusive campus communities. The author explains what class culture is, how classism is embedded in everyday practices and why it is important to consider the way class shapes students, faculty, and staff, and in particular the working class. The paper…

Which factors promote student transfer from California Community Colleges (CCC) to baccalaureate-granting institutions? How do community college practices support this transition? Which student behaviors and characteristics particularly facilitate their movement to four-year colleges and universities? The Research and Planning Group for California…

Opinions of 681 University of Nebraska at Omaha students concerning college services and the college environment were surveyed, and results compared with four previous surveys. The survey utilized the standardized instrument developed by the American College Testing Corporation along with a series of local information questions. The survey's four…

Diversification of college populations means student leadership training must move students beyond tolerance/sensitization, teaching them to value and embrace other cultures. Ideals of leadership must be taught from various cultural perspectives, encouraging students to challenge their own values/beliefs and make positive changes. Culturally…

Changes in the demographics of the student population, the political climate, the economic health of California and the nation, and the availability of public support services have contributed to an emerging climate of violence as a means of problem solving or as a consequence of frustration. Community college faculty and staff may protect their…

This report presents the findings from focus groups with first-generation students in Texas. The students shared what works to help them make the transition from high school to college, as well as what didn't work or what could work better to get more first-generation students into college. Pre-college services and programs can ease the transition…

Examines the decentralized and discipline-specific nature of graduate education and how it creates a unique and diverse climate for graduate students. The current population of graduate students is described, research on graduate students is described, focusing on four factors that influence the student environment and five types of student.…

Very little has been written in the area of the application of structured or planned groups in college settings, particularly in making a direct connection between theories of college-student development and the use of groups to facilitate and encourage that development. Information is provided in this book for all in higher education who are…

A guide to U.S. colleges is presented for high school juniors and seniors, parents, and counselors. Information on each college includes full-time and part-time enrollments, the nature of the institution controlling the college, and the founding date. The description of the college covers admission, the academic environment, the nature of the…

Little is known about the Asian Pacific American (APA) college student, but three problems may have important implications for teaching and learning: communication with and within the population; refugee waves; and generational identity. Educators should consider alternative and more appropriate strategies to avoid neglecting segments of this…

A 1989 survey of 1,800 first-year pharmacy students from 18 schools identified factors in pharmacy school selection and compared findings with 1985 data. Factors considered include institutional reputation, academic environment, finances, degrees offered, curricular options, advising, and student characteristics. Institutional reputation and…

Highlights key issues for consideration in institutional research on college climate, including those that affect women, racial and ethnic minorities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students; and disabled students. These climate issues are also pertinent to majority students in diverse environments and are quickly becoming a regular…

New concepts and developments in student leadership theory, research, and practice in higher education are discussed, focusing on such issues as a shifting of cultural and gender issues surrounding leadership, rapidly changing demographics, assessment of leadership development, and community building. (MSE)

Creating a college culture that encourages cultural pluralism requires removal of barriers in the environment. Colleges must (1) not assume that students need to assimilate into their existing culture; (2) extend their geographic and social boundaries; (3) provide support systems; and (4) help faculty understand different culture-based student…