The effectiveness of a California State University, Long Beach, program to prepare incoming students for university-level work and educational processes was assessed in 2 surveys of new students (n=1,100, n=1,613) and 1 of 80 who had taken the course previously. Key elements in program success were identified: course content; teaching techniques;…

The social network characteristics of a culturally and racially diverse group of first-year college students (n=208) and white students (n=84) attending the same college were examined at the time of college entry and at the beginning of the second semester. Relationships between network characteristics and college adjustment in the second semester…

In order to better serve minority students and other underrepresented groups, Fresno City College, in California, implemented two innovative programs: the Re-Entry Student Conference (RESC) and the Registration-To-Go (RTG) program. The RESC was a 2-day enrollment program designed to attract students from the Fresno area over the age of 25. Many of…

To address the challenges created by increased student diversity, expanding enrollment, and shrinking budgets, Midlands Technical College, in South Carolina, designed a student success program in 1989 to enhance student retention, student satisfaction, and student goal achievement. Key components of the system include: (1) a year-to-year and…

In fall 1986, Mt. San Antonio College (MSAC) initiated a 5-year longitudinal study of the effectiveness of its matriculation services, including assessment, orientation, counseling/advisement, and follow-up. The academic performance and success of students participating in one or more of these services were compared to those of degree- and…

In fall 1986, Mt. San Antonio College (MSAC) began a five year longitudinal study of the effectiveness of its matriculation services, which include assessment, orientation, counseling/advisement, and follow-up of students by staff members. The study utilized a computerized tracking system to compare retention, grade point average (GPA),…

A survey was conducted to obtain more reliable data on Native Americans in higher education and to ascertain the factor contributing to their success and failure in college. A questionnaire was mailed to 79 colleges and universities serving the largest percentage of Native Americans in the United States. A total of 33 valid responses were…

Glassboro State College (New Jersey) has developed an institution-wide comprehensive, coordinated program based on the concept of early provision of quality services and programs to provide students with positive linkages to the institution. Persistence to graduation is the long-term goal of the retention program. Additional goals include…

Limited-English-proficient (LEP) students and their parents need a network of support to familiarize themselves with school routines, so they may understand and comply with school rules and regulations, take advantage of many school-related services, and successfully follow their course of study. Administrators can help by ensuring that…

Results of a survey of college-school activities related to student preparation for college are discussed, based on responses of more than 300 two-year and four-year institutions. General trends are reported, and brief descriptions of college programs are provided. Most of the programs are for talented students. Programs that are less common aim…

Responses by various University of Alberta offices to recommendations of the Senate Task Force on Mature Students are detailed. "Mature student" is used to refer to students 23 years old or older. Attention is directed to: support services (library, offices, bookstore); choice of courses in the evening; residency requirements;…

Results of participation in a Summer Bridge Program at the University of California, San Diego, in 1978 for 30 high-risk, minority group, and low-income students are discussed. The program is based on Tinto's (1975) theoretical synthesis of research on dropouts from higher education and is designed to increase a student's integration and…

Laney's Success Model for First-Year Students attempts to increase retention by accommodating students and encouraging learning. It requires an institutional commitment for student academic success and tries to dispel the forces of attrition: academic boredom, difficulty adjusting to college life, and academic underpreparedness. The first-year…

This report presents the findings for community colleges with twenty percent or more Black students enrolled that participated in ACT's 2010 "What Works in Student Retention survey." The report contains information pertinent to only these institutions. The following are appended: (1) Data for Two-Year Community Colleges with greater than or equal…

This report presents the findings for community colleges with twenty percent or more Hispanic students enrolled that participated in ACT's 2010 What Works in Student Retention survey. The report contains information pertinent to only these institutions. Appendices include: (1) Data for Community Colleges with greater than or equal to 20% Hispanic…