Needs and concerns of 35 black students enrolled at Mansfield University in spring 1985 were assessed. Biographical information and opinions of the respondents were obtained using a questionnaire, which is appended. Characteristics of the sample include: 66.67 percent were males and 33.33 percent were females; 22 of the students were 18 to 21…

Traditionally, postsecondary education is based on a selective model in which students are uniformly expected to benefit from the methods of instructors and their concepts of appropriate curriculum and educational goals. Under this system, 30 to 70 percent of all community college students become part of an attrition statistic. In order to adapt…

Experiences of 60 women over 30 years old who returned to college after being out of school at least four years were studied. Thirty graduates and 30 undergraduate students were interviewed. Institutional barriers women confront include inadequate student services, limitations on financial aid, and admission practices and screening procedures…

In conjunction with a survey of trends in university management in Europe, a North American comparison was undertaken. The national context for higher education in North America and the structural elements characteristic of its colleges and universities are considered, with emphasis directed to the elements of institutional structure that provide…

Research on college student attrition and retention is reviewed. Overall dropout rates and the reasons students give for dropping out are examined, and an attempt is made to assess the outcomes of going straight through college, as opposed to dropping out, temporarily leaving school, and not going to college at all. The demographic, academic,…

The attitudes and level of satisfaction with residence hall life of University of Tennessee students were surveyed in 1981. Responses of the 500 students to 17 satisfaction questions were correlated with six demographic variables. When academic classification was analyzed, it was found that freshmen were significantly less satisfied with the…

The final report and recommendations of the Commission on Student Life at San Diego State University are presented. The commission undertook a comprehensive review and evaluation of campus programs and services that contribute to student life. Specific tasks were as follows: (1) to examine all dynamic aspects of student life at San Diego State…

Structural conditions and normative expectations of university life that provide barriers and opportunities to re-entry women as they request admission, enter, and undertake graduate and undergraduate studies in a private, midwestern university were examined. Interviews were conducted with administrators, staff, and professors to elicit their…

The literature on adult learners is reviewed, and two models of adult learning are developed. Demographic, social, and technological trends that stimulate the increasing demand for learning opportunities are examined, and the views of those who see dangers in new pressures on adults to participate in organized learning activities are considered.…

The differences in the person-environment fit and levels of anxiety of older adults in professional schools versus older students in liberal arts schools were studied to determine if the states of ego development of older adults (35 years of age or older) were related to the degree of academic and environmental restrictiveness in professional and…

Barriers to minority group student success in medical education are outlined, including inadequate preparation in science and mathematics, inadequate advising, nonsupportive faculty, lack of minority mentors and role models, costs, and inadequate information about academic and financial aid options. (MSE)

Guidelines to enhancing the freshman year experience are presented in the following chapters: (1) "A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Freshman Success" (M. Lee Upcraft, John N. Gardner); (2) "Who Are Today's Freshmen?" (Arthur Levine); (3) "A Historical Look at the Freshman Year Experience" (John Orr Dwyer); (4) "Understanding Student…

In 1985, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at Arizona State University offered 10 major categories of services to students. Its austere budget allocation was noted as a significant obstacle to an increase in its professional office staff; this led to a concern that the provision of student services was not being optimized. A study was conducted…

A recent "Time" magazine article noted that college counseling centers are experiencing an increasing number of students seeking services for a range of mental health and developmental needs. For many students, the college experience can be stressful, which may contribute to poor eating habits, irregular sleeping patterns, or experimentation with…

The suitability of the college setting for adult senior students attending Federal City College during the summer term of 1973 was evaluated, with focus on registration, orientation, class schedule, academic advising, and supportive services. Adult senior students were defined as all undergraduates who were 31 years old or older and who had…