A study examined the definition of student academic standing and its relationship to several administrative and academic standards (graduation requirements, grading systems, calendars, curricula, probation categories and procedures, requirements for readmission, dean's lists, and graduation rates) at 25 small colleges at six levels of selectivity.…

The core elements of focus-group research are reviewed and common, erroneous assumptions about the increasingly popular methodology are identified and discussed. Additional information sources are noted and the future of the methodology is examined. (MSE)

Several meanings of bias are examined, and evidence concerning the validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test, which has been widely criticized, is presented. Several forms of alleged bias are addressed, including underprediction of minority group college performance, bias in test use, measurement bias, and sex bias. (MSE)

The Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers' recent definition of an official transcript and the issues regarding fraudulent documents identified for further study are outlined. The association's suggested practices and policies for prevention of fraudulent transcripts are appended. (MSE)

A study attempted to verify earlier research results suggesting that college-bound students' self-reporting of coursework and grades is relatively accurate. It also examined whether different subgroups of students (categorized by sex, racial-ethnic group, ability level, educational level, and date tested) varied significantly in their reporting…

Techniques and considerations in hiring support staff for student service programs are presented in the form of checklists, with some explanation provided. The hiring process is divided into three phases: (1) preparation, (2) interview, and (3) orientation, training, and evaluation. (MSE)

Regardless of budget or institutional reputation, building a good college admissions team requires careful attention to four elements: philosophy, hiring, training, and performance. The result is productive, proficient, and pleasurable. (MSE)

The history and etymology of terms commonly used by registrars in maintaining records are summarized, with focus on their Latin origins. Terms include record, copy, file, rolls, register, data, enrollment, total, census, notary, minutes, office, delegate, catalog, schedule, procedure, memorandum, authentic, seal, signature, diploma, certify, and…

A study investigated the academic performance of international students in the College of Liberal Arts relative to other students, the relationship between admissions criteria and subsequent performance, and determined how many international students in selected fields of study can meet the admission requirements for further study in their fields.…

An intensive advising program for entering freshmen at the College of Staten Island was designed to provide information, personal interaction, clarification or development of immediate and long-range goals, and direction in attaining them. Analysis of the advising session content and program results is presented. (MSE)

A survey of admissions deans and directors investigated the use and perceived effectiveness of 15 well-known marketing techniques: advertising, advertising research, a marketing plan, market positioning, market segmentation, marketing audit, marketing research, pricing, program and service accessibility, program development, publicity, target…

A study investigated the extent of parental involvement in the decisions of two-year students, the kinds of information about colleges they use, and the activities in which they engage. Results show parents were involved in information-gathering but were not necessarily decision-initiators or decision-makers. Marketing implications are discussed.…

Boston College's student public-access record-keeping system provides students access to their own academic, account, and financial aid information. The system was first made available on computer terminals and then on a Consumer Transaction Terminal. (MSE)

Data from a survey of admissions directors at urban, public universities and local (Wichita, Kansas) economic indicators were analyzed for possible relationships between the local economy and adult enrollment. Results suggest enrollments do move with the local economy, but average credit hours increase rather than decrease as the economy slows.…

A survey of four-year undergraduate institutions concerning enrollment management looked at program prevalence and form, differences among institutions using and not using them, and obstacles to program development. Results suggest that while many institutions are pro-active, most do not believe projected enrollment declines will affect their…