Studies have shown that college enrollment among students of color is increasing (McTighe Musil, Garcia, Hudgins, Nettles, Sedlacek, & Smith, 1999). In the last decade, enrollment of students of color in higher education has increased by over 48%, including a gain of approximately 15% since 1995 (Harvey, 2002). Although these statistics indicate…

The expectations, self-perceptions, past academic behaviors, and attitudes of transfer students were examined in this study. Participants were 2,492 incoming transfer students (53% female, 14% African American, 14% Asian American or Pacific Islander, 6% Hispanic/Latino/a, and 65% White, and had a mean age of 21.8) at a mid-Atlantic doctoral…

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to provide an organizational framework for data collected from an entering class of students (N=1,912). Results from the EFA indicated that items on surveys could be grouped into dimensions that can be used to plan student services. Factors that emerged included: Religion/Spirituality, Help Seeking,…

Survey data from 2,925 incoming college freshmen at a state university reveals that nearly 40% of the participants reported that they might like to have a lesbian or gay friend, despite anticipations of discomfort. Perceived barriers were significantly related gender, diversity orientation, shyness, and religious commitment. (Contains 24…

Study investigates the responses of college students with and without learning disabilities as to their computer use. Results did not support the proposition that students with learning disabilities may have an aversion toward computers, and furthermore reveal no indications that the students lacked self-efficacy in the use of computers. (Contains…

Originally published in November 1987, discusses the literature in terms of eight non-cognitive variables affecting black student life: self-concept, realistic self-appraisal, understanding and dealing with racism, community service, long-range goals, strong support person, leadership, and nontraditional knowledge. Recommends actions for student…

Identifies issues relevant to nontransfer college seniors who disenroll before graduating. Analysis suggests that nonretention of seniors was best predicted by dissatisfaction with academic guidance, access to school-related information, and quality of education, as well as by feelings of institutional alienation. Discusses implications for future…

Administered Noncognitive Questionnaire (NCQ) to entering freshmen international college students. Cumulative grade point averages and enrollment status for each student obtained for eight semesters following matriculation were used to examine predictive validity of NCQ. Found NCQ predicted college grades and retention for international students.…

Describes nonreactive methodology as unobstrusive methods of collecting data that do not interfere with the response itself. Discusses examples of use of nonreactive methodology in student affairs and presents practical steps to help in beginning a program of nonreactive research. (Author/NB)

Assessed sexual attitudes and behavior of incoming college freshmen at a large eastern university in 1972, 1983, and 1987. Data suggest that students are becoming more liberal in their sexual behavior as well as in some of their attitudes. (TE)

Describes perceptual mapping, a newly developed method for assessing perceptions of campus environments. Describes evaluation of a student union by students using this method. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this perceptual mapping method for assessing college environments. (Author/ABL)

Compared incoming international college students (N=215) to United States students (N=1,000) on academic and career needs. Found international students expressed greater academic and career needs than did American students and the rank-ordering of relative importance of these needs was different between the two groups. (Author/ABL)

Administered Situational Attitude Scale-Age to 42 college freshmen in 1979 and again in 1988 to examine their attitudes toward age. Results revealed that overall attitudes of college students toward older people were generally negative in both samples. Respondents felt negatively toward older persons in both academic and social situations.…

Studied whether volunteers in diverse organizations have different motivations and personal characteristics and whether volunteer and nonvolunteer students exhibit different motivational characteristics. Found that college student volunteers (N=199) differed in Holland type and motivational needs and that they differed from reported norms for…