Designed to survey the effects of the current probation policy at Shasta College, this report estimates the student loss attributable to the policy and discusses means of identifying potential probationary students. After introducing the probation policy, which requires at least a 2.0 grade point average to avoid academic probation and the…

In fall 1982, a study was conducted in the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) using withdrawal and grade distribution data to analyze student retention patterns. Successful retention rates were based on the percentage of students who received a passing grade, while total retention rates were based on the percentage of students who received…

A self-evaluation is provided of the Academic Advisement Center at Genesee Community College (GCC). Section I provides an overview of the center's development from its establishment in 1980, discusses results of a formal review of the center's work, and offers projections for the next five years. Section II describes the history of the program,…

A telephone survey was conducted at John Tyler Community College (JTCC) to determine the initial goals, reasons for leaving, current activities, plans, and characteristics of students who left the college after one or more quarters of attendance. Telephone calls were made to all 103 full-time students and a 17% sample of the part-time students…

An investigation was conducted at Prince George's Community College to determine Fall 1980 course passing rates within college divisions and departments; passing rates and grade distributions in courses using different modes of instruction; within-term course withdrawal rates; term-to-term retention and attrition rates; students' reasons for…

Of the 10,402 students enrolled at Loop College (Chicago) in fall 1972, 4,529 did not return in spring 1973. In October 1973, a questionnaire was sent to all of the nonreturning students. Nonreturning students were divided into two categories: (1) 274, or 3 percent of the total enrollment, did not return because they graduated; (2) 4,255, or 41…

This report presents the findings of a research study conducted by Alvin Community College (ACC) as a subcontractor for Project FOLLOW-UP, which analyzed orientation and exit interview effects and their relationship to follow-up research on selected withdrawing and graduating students at ACC. Subjects of the study were 595 ACC students, 257 males…

Four studies conducted at Harcum College (Pennsylvania) in fall 1969 were presented. From a survey to determine students' reasons for attending Harcum, it was concluded that substantial numbers of students view their college education as a means of acquiring future direct, material rewards. A study on student attrition demonstrated the variety and…

Grading policies and practices within the nine colleges comprising the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) were examined in order to analyze past and present grading policies and practices in each college and the district as a whole, to relate findings to statewide and nationwide grading practices, and to discuss possible future trends…

This document explores the relationship between application date and early attrition in access colleges. The author notes that students applying to rolling admission colleges can be registered without demonstrating forethought or preparation. Institutions that allow late admission may be doing a disservice to students who have not adequately…

Describes a study of 100 students who withdrew from Michigan's Schoolcraft College in fall 1994 to determine their reasons for withdrawing and demographic characteristics. Indicates that the most prevalent reason was work related and that no significant relationships were found between student characteristics and withdrawal behavior. (BCY)

A tracking model was developed at Rancho Santiago College utilizing enrollment and student statistics to identify first-time students who entered the college in fall 1983 and to track them over the following years. Statistics on 6,151 new students entering in fall 1983 indicated: (1) only 45% of the students who entered in fall 1983 were enrolled…

A study was conducted at William Rainey Harper College (WRHC) to develop a profile of students who withdrew from courses between 1982 and 1986 and to compare this profile with the results of a 1979-82 withdrawal study. For the past 4 years, each degree credit student who has officially withdrawn from a course has been asked to complete a survey…

In fall 1986, a pilot honors program was initiated in the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) to meet the needs of highly motivated students. A four-part evaluation of the pilot project was conducted in 1987, involving a survey of the educational and demographic background of all honors students conducted during the beginning of the…

Student attrition and retention have been familiar terms in higher education for a long time. Recently, however, there has developed an increased awareness of the cost of attrition, both to students and to community colleges. Although research has not provided any solutions to the complex problem of attrition, studies have identified some basic…