The qualitative differences in the experiences and outcomes of blacks who attend white colleges and blacks who attend black institutions were explored in a national study. The study of 1,600 students enrolled in 16 public universities provides insights for improving the prospects for black participation in higher education. (MLW)

This article illustrates the evolution of the concept of student development in the higher education and student affairs literature. The current status of this concept is presented in a framework of 14 propositions as an agenda for scholars and practitioners in the field. (97 references) (Author/RB)

A noted poet and professor offers advice to African American students on making the adjustment to a predominantly white college or university. Issues addressed include attendance patterns and study habits, relationships with faculty, cultivating friends and self-esteem, participation in campus life, and dealing with racism. (MSE)

A study of 593 college freshmen found 28% reported problem-drinking or alcoholic parents. This group differed significantly from others in their perceptions of the extent of distraction and the amount of support they received in pursuing academics prior to college. (Author/MSE)

Examines research that studies the effects of students' out-of-class experiences on academic, intellectual, or cognitive learning outcomes. Identifies the following aspects of student out-of-class experiences which student affairs professionals have control over through policy and program interventions: (1) residence; (2) fraternities and…

At the University of South Carolina, John Gardner directs University 101, a three-credit course designed to teach freshmen some basic "college survival skills," such as study techniques, constructive ways to relate to peers and professors, and how to use career center. In the last few years, it has been copied by hundreds of colleges in…

Research conducted at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) provided comparisons for 1990, 1993, and 1996 of undergraduate students' satisfaction and participation at college. The survey instrument used was the College Student Experiences Questionnaire, which included measures of the amount of progress perceived by students in 23 different…

Used survey data to investigate the experiences of a group of young women students at a large, inner-city university. Survey questions focused on teaching and tutoring, social life, financial resources, housing, personal security, and health. Results raise concern for the achievements, gender effects, and other issues for women. (RJM)

Examines the differential impact of a range of college diversity initiatives on white, African American, Mexican American/Chicano(a), and Asian American college students. After four years of college, regardless of the students' race/ethnicity, their overall level of satisfaction with their college experience was positively influenced by a variety…

This article evaluates the concept of student development from the perspective of the adequacy of its theoretical knowledge base and with reference to the 14 specific propositions about student development identified by Strange (1994). (71 references) (Author/RB)

This survey of 149 students explored learning from out-of-class college experiences such as leadership, peer interaction, faculty contact, work, and travel. It found that many different experiences potentially contribute to valued college outcomes, that sex and ethnicity did not explain differences in students' activities and outcomes, and that…

A longitudinal study investigated differences in the experiences of women at women's colleges (n=160) and women at coeducational colleges (n=764) as they related to a variety of outcome variables. Results confirm the important role of institutional climate, student involvement, and the particular priorities and goals often found at women's…

A discussion of shared governance in American college culture looks at the nature and traditions of this form of governance, examines Birnbaum's model of the two cores (academic and administrative) of the college, and explores how changes in technical systems and the higher education environment affect student learning and the ability of faculty…

In an interview, two college students discuss aspects of the college experience, including the transition from high school to college, the most helpful general education and other courses, choice of major, classroom communication, curriculum relevance, effective teaching methods, and particularly important experiences and skills learned. (MSE)

Intended as a text for students of higher education and as a resource for inservice training programs, this book describes what it is like to go to college. Part 1 reviews the kinds of research studies of college students that have been produced, including studies dealing with the impact of college, student unrest, the generation gap,…