This article demonstrates that colleges and universities can conduct effective market research using in-house resources, using a recent market research study conducted by the admissions department of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Institutions often avoid market research when embarking on a marketing program because of perceived…

This study compared the academic preparation, aspirations, and first-year college performance of first-generation college freshmen with other college freshmen at Indiana State University. It found that first-generation students were more likely to drop out during the first semester and had lower first-semester grades than students with one or more…

A qualitative investigation of the conduct and content of medical school admission interviews found that differences in the 10 interviewers' perceptions of the purpose and structure of the interview varied according to their professional background and amount of experience with the admissions process. (MDM)

This study analyzed the admissions materials sent by four major Midwestern research universities to each of four hypothetical prospective students (first- through fourth-year high school students). The material was analyzed on the basis of timeliness, personalization, pricing, image, and segmentation. (MDM)

A national survey examined the extent to which secondary schools, colleges, and universities are exchanging information on student progress. Twenty-three states reported having some form of statewide feedback system in place, whereas 12 other states reported that some type of system is under consideration. (MDM)

This article proposes that college admissions officers interested in improving service should focus on creating customer delight rather than simply satisfaction, studying the system when things go wrong rather than placing blame, establishing employee well-being as the highest priority of the organization, providing necessary tools and training…

The new scale used for scoring the Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT) is explained, its development is described, and implications for the college admissions process are discussed. The recentering was designed to remedy the downward drift of the score distribution midpoint. (Author/MSE)

The role of the college registrar in a period of change is discussed, and these administrators are encouraged to recognize opportunities of their unique position within the institution. It is argued that campuses need administrators who are good managers, visionary leaders, and coalition builders, combining new technology, service management…

The Total Quality Management (TQM) approach is defined and its implementation at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in undergraduate admissions is described. Benefits and challenges of TQM are discussed, first from the perspective of the manager responsible for TQM, then from that of a front-line staff member and TQM team member.…

Microcomputer-managed examination scheduling at the University of Calgary (Canada) has two stages. The first uses mathematical methods to create a timetable that is conflict-free, uses a minimum number of periods, and minimizes the number of students with multiple exams in one day. An interactive stage allows the examination officer to accommodate…

The University of Calgary (Canada) medical school admissions process has been streamlined with the Student Admission to Medicine computer program, largely paperless, that creates a database from student applications. The database then converts grades to the university's standards and assists with administrative details, statistical analyses, and…

Benchmarking, associated with quality management philosophy currently common in higher education institutions, identifies processes considered to be the standard to emulate. A benchmark student administrative services area represents the best related processes brought together in one institution. A benchmark institution is described. It is argued…

Origins and development of a computerized credit transfer system for students in the University of Wisconsin system is described. The program will become the official course equivalency and degree requirement schema for the university, and will also serve the Wisconsin Technical College system. (Author/MSE)

Strategies for making the best use of time at a conference or other professional development activity include suggestions for thorough pretrip planning, travel, attending sessions, getting the most from exhibits, using the conference situation to make contacts or gather information, keeping track of family and personal concerns, and preparing to…

Recommendations made as a result of a Wingspread Colloquium on college marketing and student recruitment are reported. Abuses and specific remedies in recruiting, providing information, pricing and financing, student selection, and performance obligations and guarantees are outlined. Focus is on ethical and public interest issues. (MSE)