The Task Force on Graduate Education in Physics (TFGE), an ad hoc committee convened jointly by the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the American Physical Society (APS), has studied the current status of graduate education in physics Ph.D. programs, and has made recommendations based on what was found. The findings indicate that…

The Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE) documents dimensions of quality in legal education and provides information about law student participation in effective educational activities that law schools and other organizations can use to improve student learning. This paper presents select findings from the 2007 survey administration,…

Drawing on students' experiences, examines ways that Electronic Discussion Lists (EDLs) can enhance a sense of community on a college campus. Provides a brief history of electronic mail and discussion groups and outlines the uses of EDLs, such as its effectiveness in voicing complaints and in clarifying values. (RJM)

A national survey of Latino college sophomores and juniors (n=859) in 224 colleges investigated their perceptions and experiences of the campus environment for talented Hispanic students, peer understanding of Latino culture, discrimination or resistance of Latino presence, and general institutional climate for diversity. (MSE)

Study indicates first-year reentry female college students perceive affectional aspects of their classroom experiences much more negatively than other first-year students. A major shift in those negative attitudes occurs between the first and second years. As seniors, reentry women report the most positive perceptions of all student groups.…

The collegiate ideal, often associated with elitism in higher education, has changed over time to become more pluralistic and thus more accurately reflect increasingly diverse student populations. Colleges are encouraged to better understand and acknowledge the benefits of the college environment for a diverse population, support changes promoting…

Discusses issues about cultural environment, ethnic identity, and social support for Latino students on predominately White campuses. Describes how university services can help diminish their educational and social difficulties, and presents different vignettes that illustrate these concepts. Identifies attitudes and beliefs necessary to provide…

Descibes a study of students residing in community college dormitories. Results showed that residence hall staff are perceived to be higher contributors to the academic climate than residential peers. Suggestions are made for how community colleges can reexamine the educational potential of residence halls. (Contains 15 references.) (KC)

Using grounded theory methodology, the experiences of 11 self-identified gay male college students were explored to understand how the environment contributed to the exploration and development of a gay identity. One central category (finding empowerment) and 5 integrative categories (self-acceptance, disclosure to others, environmental…

This project explores the meaning of membership for members of a Black Greek organization (BGO) and uncovers how the members utilize the fraternity to create various connections. It incorporates underutilized research on voluntary associations and draws attention to a necessary distinction between membership in a BGO and membership in a…

This is the first in a series of reports, based exclusively on interview data, which concerns the initial reactions to the university experience of a random sample of 100, class of 1966 freshmen. Information is presented on the students' decision to attend college, their reactions to the first few weeks of university experience, their attitudes…

A study examined the administratively sponsored rituals of academic and student life at a long-established, women's liberal arts college as metaphors for the ways students make meaning from the college experience. It is concluded that rituals can embody institutional mission, explain important educational processes, and shape views of the…

Presents a historical process model for the full integration of women into a male institution based on historical studies of several institutions. Draws analogies to current decisions at Virginia Military Institute and the Citadel, including predictions about ways in which the presence of women will affect the student life of these institutions.…

Social learning theory, attribution theory, and the stress-distress paradigm are used to develop a theoretical model for the psychological and social processes affecting dental student well-being and performance. Data from preliminary investigations are used to argue for the model components. (MSE)

The good news is Strange's propositions offer a sharper focus to researchers of student development. The bad news is that the propositions imply a need to reconsider the ways researchers regard student change and the designs adopted to study it. Revisions in each area will challenge researchers' conceptual and methodological predictors. (BF)