California's Southwestern College (SWC) conducted student surveys and synthesized research data to create a report that identifies 12 common student experience themes, providing a framework for improvement. The study includes information from various surveys, a review of responses to the 1990 Community College Student Experience Questionnaire, and results from a study of student behavior in the classroom. A qualitative approach was used to integrate the research documents and create a list of themes describing key features of the SWC student experience. The 12 themes are: (1) though faculty ratings were high, faculty/student interaction outside of class was low; (2) multiple learning techniques were preferred over straight lecture; (3) students' expectations for college success varied; (4) ratings on grading policies were varied; (5) many external obstacles existed to college success; (6) counseling was rated to be one of the weaker SWC services; (7) cultural diversity was respected; (8) student relations were perceived as friendly and supportive; (9) older students were more successful than younger students; (10) college activities had low participation; (11) the SWC Education Center in San Ysidro received higher ratings than the main campus; and (12) assistance provided by the College assessment program received mixed reviews. These themes provide guidelines for future improvements. Appendices include institutional research documents used to identify student perceptions, and the relationship of research documents to identification of student experiential themes. (YKH)