Five strategies used by Rollins College to improve retention are discussed, including examining longitudinal trends, developing and testing hypotheses about the reasons for student dissatisfaction and departure, setting goals for retention improvement, designing and implementing strategies, and measuring progress and assessing programs. (MSE)

This guide, designed to help institutions plan integrated information systems which will enable them to meet their needs for data on foreign students was developed during a 3-day seminar in February, 1984. The first of five chapters provides a brief introduction on how to use the planning guide. Chapter 2 contains information designed to guide the…

The major challenges of college admissions directors and their staffs will center on the number of newly arriving students, the extent and record of their academic preparation, and their likely rate of on-time graduation. Tests will become increasingly important whether they are administered before or during the enrollment stage. (MLW)

A strategic planning model for enrollment-dependent private colleges is offered. Essential components include an active, creative admissions office, a market-sensitive academic program, a financial buffer, a disciplined budget system, and coordinated leadership from the president, academic programs, admissions, and the finance office. (MSE)

This paper presents the results of a nationwide survey of deans, associate deans, and directors who make recommendations concerning the admission of applicants to graduate programs in their colleges and universities. A questionnaire was sent to a sample of academic officers in public and private institutions describing three different types of…

This book offers detailed information on college admissions designed to demystify the process for student applicants. Part I opens by arguing that the college admissions process is a mystery to many applicants because in large part admissions officers would prefer to have it that way in order to retain greater control. Other chapters in this…

In 1992-93, high school and college forms of a questionnaire on rank in class (RIC), grade point average (GPA), and college admissions were developed and mailed to high schools and colleges. Usable returns were received from 2,175 high schools and 1,109 colleges and universities. To elaborate on questionnaire data, in-depth interviews were…

This study first reviews research on factors that influence the ways individuals make decisions, such as the size of an organization and its structure, the nature of the power coalitions within the organization, and certain traits such as risk-taking, self-concept, and gender. The study interviewed 33 administrators at varying levels within six…

To compete for dwindling numbers of traditional college-aged students and to attract non-traditional clientele, community colleges are becoming increasingly involved in marketing. Commitment to a total marketing concept requires institutional research to identify the college's mission, potential students, and the competition. Those in charge of…

Although different in nature from academic activities, college fund raising also requires planning and management. To develop more responsive executive information systems, development officers must take the lead, ask the right questions, and work closely with campus institutional researchers, registrars, enrollment managers, and computer…

Survey of admission directors at 12 medical schools with the largest underrepresented minority (URM) populations found diversity in the makeup of admissions committees and weighting of quantitative and qualitative factors. Although no school gave URM status a specific weight, one added points to a diversity index used as a quantitative measure.…

Seventy-five students from five medical schools participated in structured interviews to elicit their community service history and opinions regarding the relationship of community service to the medical school admissions process and the medical school curriculum. An analysis of responses indicates that service leaders were: (a) influenced by…

The decisions made by admissions committee members of the Medical College of Virginia were studied to determine the criteria used to arrive at value judgments and to analyze variations in predicted ratings based on these criteria. All 983 applicants to the 1980-81 entering class of the medical school who underwent file review evaluations (the…

A retiring registrar/admissions officer describes his career to encourage others to work with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. The discussion includes campus/association activities, coping with change, adjusting to campus hierarchy, academic standards, career rewards, etc. (MSE)

Admissions officers and registrars will have greater opportunities for institutional leadership because of the institution-wide scope of their work, the importance of recruiting and retaining students, and the growth of external responsiblities among other administrators. These officers should increase their professional development efforts in the…