Student governance has existed as an integral part of higher education since the time of the first college in Colonial America. Through a detailed history of each phase of student self-governance--from the earliest literary societies to the present-day student government associations--the struggles of students in higher education to acquire and…

This study explored the relationship between Asian American students' choices of racial and ethnic identity labels, their attitudes toward racial and ethnic issues, and involvement in campus organizations. The findings suggest complex relationships between racial and ethnic self-identification and attitudes for some identity groups and no…

Colleges often seek to promote a psychological sense of community (PSOC) among their students. However, there is limited research on factors promoting PSOC, and little empirical evidence on whether students of different ethnic backgrounds might experience PSOC differently. This study, which took place on a predominantly White campus, explored…

The relationship between Black Greek-letter organization membership and African American student engagement in almost exclusively White college classrooms was explored in this study. Data were collected through interviews with 131 members from seven undergraduate chapters at a large, predominantly White university in the Midwest. This study…

This study examined differences between participation in academic and non-academic student organizations at a large, predominantly White, public research institution. A survey of 354 undergraduates revealed that students joined academic organizations to prepare for their futures while students joined non-academic organizations for immediate…

For African American students, matriculation at a predominantly White institution of higher education can be quite intimidating. Religion is important in providing comfort and encouragement for many of these students. This article describes the Afro-American gospel choir at the University of Alabama and its role in providing a more positive campus…

Examines what participation in a first-year residential learning community means to students 2-3 years after their involvement in the program. Results showed that participants valued greatly their involvement and can articulate how it helped them succeed. Most recall the sense of community that existed, the personal growth they experienced, their…

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 differences in retention rates and college grade point average of academic scholarship and leadership scholarship students. Results indicate no significant difference in college grade point average, however leadership scholars achieved higher retention rates. Results suggest that predictors of college involvement may be indirect…

Examines differences between the college experiences of students with and without repeated policy violations. Male students (N=60) were surveyed on six college experience variables: involvement with faculty, courses, the student union, clubs and organizations, personal acquaintances, and student acquaintances. Significant differences were found in…

Study seeks to determine the effects of an Illinois mandate on publicly supported universities forming and promoting community service corps. Interviews were conducted with personnel at all 10 four-year public universities in Illinois. Data were gathered about the history of the programs; definitions, roles of students, faculty, student…

Highlights different types of student involvement, summarizes key findings, and identifies significant gaps in research regarding how student involvement on college campuses impacts student development and learning. Suggests that student affairs administrators need to continue the exploration on the importance of college student involvement.…

Examines the historical development of marginality and addresses its implications for student affairs professionals and African American students attending predominantly White institutions. Argues that student involvement is related to student satisfaction and that the successful transition of African American students is directly related to the…

Explores whether involvement in Greek organizations enhances student development. Discusses areas of student development, such as academic, social, and moral and ethical development, and reviews studies examining the correlation between Greek organizations and student development. Studies show no conclusive evidence of Greek involvement leading to…

Examines and describes the differences between transfer students (N=12) who engage in extracurricular activities and those transfer students who are not involved. Focuses on differences in motivation, in satisfaction, and in feeling a sense of connection to the institution. Motivation marked the biggest difference between involved and uninvolved…