Institutions of higher education have developed a host of interventions to increase the retention of first-year students whose academic performance is inadequate. This study evaluated the overall effectiveness of an intervention strategy designed for first-year students on academic probation at a mid-western research university. A…

This study explored the difficulties that probationary students viewed as obstacles to their academic progress. These difficulties were compared to those identified by regularly matriculated students and to probationary students' deficits on a standardized study skills test. We compared the responses of participants (N = 150) in an intervention…

This description of the probation-retention-disqualification policy at Santa Monica City College (Calif.) may provide guidelines for other institutions. A student may be placed on probation if he (1) has a GPA below 2.0 in all college units attempted, (2) is a transfer while on probation from or disqualified by another school, or (3) is readmitted…

In July 1967, the California State Board of Education set minimum probation standards for junior colleges, providing that (1) students having less than a 2.0 GPA (with 12 or more units attempted) will be put on academic probation, (2) all such students will receive special counseling, and (3) those failing to maintain a 1.75 GPA for three…

The purpose of this study was to provide information concerning the academic performance of students who were permitted to continue on probation while hovering slightly below university requirements. The sample consisted of 212 academically dismissed students who were readmitted to the College of Education at Kent State University. The results…

Given that student retention is now one of the leading challenges faced by colleges and universities, research seeking to understand students' reasons for attrition is of critical importance. Two factors influence students' underachievement and subsequent dropping-out of college: self-efficacy and goal orientation. Self-efficacy refers to peoples'…

Junior college students on academic probation are as heterogeneous as the college population itself. They range from high-ability students dismissed from 4-year institutions to those with severe visual-motor handicaps. The differences should be more carefully identified so that appropriate help can be made available. Special counseling (required…

Identifies, in a case study, a gifted student who, in consideration of previous academic achievement, should be performing exceptionally well, but has a four-year history of withdrawing from and failing courses, avoids studying, and occasionally rallies at the 11th hour for an average performance. Proposes a learner-centered intervention, in a…

AN APPRAISAL OF THE JUNIOR COLLEGE AS A "SECOND-CHANCE" INSTITUTION PRESENTS CONSIDERABLE EVIDENCE OF SUCCESSFUL SALVAGING OF THE ABLE STUDENT. THE FAILURE OF THE STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY MAY BE DUE TO (1) EMOTIONAL IMMATURITY, (2) INABILITY TO ADJUST TO THE COMPLEXITY AND IMPERSONALITY OF THE LARGE CAMPUS, (3) LACK OF SOUND COUNSELING, OR (4)…

BETWEEN 1959 AND 1963, 351 TRANSFER STUDENTS ENTERING EL CAMINO COLLEGE WERE IN A PROBATIONARY STATUS BECAUSE OF UNSATISFACTORY GRADES EARNED AT THEIR PREVIOUS INSTITUTIONS. OF THIS GROUP, 55 PERCENT WERE LATER SUCCESSFUL (REMOVED THEMSELVES FROM PROBATIONARY STATUS). MORE THAN 70 PERCENT OF THOSE TRANSFERRING FROM 4-YEAR INSTITUTIONS AND 33…

This mini-study evaluated efforts by the School of Health and Human Services Advisement Center at California State University, Los Angeles to reach and support students on probation or were disqualified. Workshops were held to educate students on campus policies and procedures, time and stress management skills, and factors that either contribute…

THIS PAPER PRESENTS A CASE FOR MAKING JUNIOR COLLEGE GRADING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMPATIBLE WITH THE STATED PURPOSES OF THE JUNIOR COLLEGE. IT LISTS SOME HISTORIC AND PERSONAL PHILOSOPHIC ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING PURPOSES. THE INCOMPATIBILITY OF THE GRADING PRACTICES WITH THESE PURPOSES IS REVIEWED THROUGH SOME STUDIES MADE AT GROSSMONT COLLEGE,…

To differentiate certain characteristics of unsuccessful, marginally successful, or successful students in a junior college remedial program, the author made a random selection of 219 males and 120 females (from the 790 enrolled in a 1.5 probation program) according to the independent variables of high school rank (HSR), SCAT-Total score, class…

Studies of "calculated-risk" students at Harcum Junior College conflict with reports conducted elsewhere. The first report concluded that a small percentage of calculated-risk students persist through their freshman year. A more recent study (Harcum Junior College) found that 87 per cent of the students observed were making satisfactory…

The author asks various questions related to tenure. He answers the most important, Is tenure necessary?" (Editor/MF)