While there has been growing research that explores the impact of race- and cultural-specific student organizations or spaces on Black students and particularly Black males (Dancy, 2011; Harper & Quaye, 2007; McClure, 2006; Museus, 2008; L. Patton, 2006), there have been fewer studies (Ellis, 2009) examining emerging, institutionalized Black male…

Institutional data were used to examine the grades and retention of first-year students in 2 types of living learning communities--Academic Theme Floors (ATFs) and Freshman Interest Groups (FIGs)--and a First-Year Experience (FYE) course. Multiple regression revealed students in FIGs earned nominally higher GPAs (standardized [beta] = 0.02, p less…

Using an interdisciplinary approach, this article explores the intersection between manhood and college life for 24 selected African American college men enrolled in 12 colleges and universities across the 19 southern and border states of America. The purpose of this study is to illustrate how constructions of manhood and masculinity among this…

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of employment on first-to-second-year persistence of low-income, first-generation college students. Using the data from the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS:04/06), the analysis indicated that the role orientation to academics versus to work was the strongest predictor of…

This article examines the relationship between online social networking (OSN) and perceptions of academic and social integration for first-year residential students at a rural regional comprehensive university. Students spent an average of 2.5 hours on OSN websites per day, primarily interacting with campus peers, friends and family. There was…

Preparing the workforce for an increasingly global economy is among the leading concerns in higher education, and retention of students is vital to successfully managing this economic shift. Study abroad programming consistently yields positive outcomes that span these three levels and may very well be a retention strategy that has been previously…

Challenging economic conditions, changing student demographics, and heightened levels of accountability require community colleges to address student retention strategically. A historical summary of the community college serves as the platform for the argument for the use of strategic planning as a tool to address both internal and external…

Focuses on the campus involvement of African American students on small, predominantly white college campuses. The results represent a portion of larger study, which intended to describe the experiences of African American students who persisted to their junior or senior years. Highlights the element of student involvement as a persistence factor…

Examines the enrollment and persistence decisions of 674 applicants accepted at one university in the fall of 1992. Results indicate that the university is fulfilling community needs for place-bound students, women students, full-time students, and those students needing a supportive environment. Illustrates how research on aid can benefit…

Examines the perceptions of presidents, directors of retention, and directors of minority student affairs regarding the importance of 18 functions listed in a standards manual for minority student programs. Assesses the past, current, and future importance of offices of minority student affairs in improving retention rates, as perceived by these…

Recent literature indicates sex is related to retention with more men persisting to graduation. In this University of Tennessee (Knoxville) study, analysis according to sex classification produced results contrary to the latest research findings: rather than males, females tended to graduate earlier or on schedule proportionately more frequently…

Surveyed nontraditional college students (those over age 25) concerning barriers encountered in pursuit of their college education. Findings from 100 nontraditional students suggest that older students have needs which are not addressed by institutions. Greatest identified hindrances to degree attainment were financial problems and academic…

Examined nonpersistence among 83 nonpersisting students using Tinto's model and compared retention risks for traditional-aged and nontraditional-aged students. Found that traditional- and nontraditional-aged students showed same risk factors for dropping out: both had parents with low educational levels, attempted to combine education with…

Implemented pilot career planning workshop at one university. Workshop has been offered every year since 1982 in conjunction with first-year orientation. Research on 83 students (experimental, control, and comparison groups) was conducted to establish workshop effectiveness. Found that workshop was effective for improving student retention only…

Discusses model designed to provide effective academic, personal, and social support programs to minority college students. Describes model as intrusive and developmental in nature and able to be modified to accommodate groups of students with unique needs. Identifies model's three major areas of focus: academic and developmental monitoring, peer…