The mission of this new fourth edition is to provide the reader with a solid foundation in the historical and philosophical perspectives of college student affairs development; assist the reader in understanding the major concepts and purpose of student affairs' practice, methods, and program models; enable the reader to conceptualize the theme,…

A survey of 103 undergraduate and graduate students found both traditional and nontraditional students rated prescriptive advising as more important and more satisfactory than developmental advising, but both groups also found the advising they received (of either kind) less satisfactory than desired. The questionnaire used is appended. (MSE)

Ways to promote academic advising are suggested at a conference for deans and directors. Objectives that an institution should address are as follows: (1) to provide advisers with accurate and timely information about the policies, procedures, and processes that affect the advising relationship; (2) to provide advisers with additional skills often…

At two women's liberal arts colleges, freshman (n=127, n=140) perceptions of academic advising style were measured. Although students reported developmental advising at both institutions, the mean score at one college was significantly more developmental than at the other. Frequency of contact and an academic planning component were significant…

A study at Illinois Benedictine College compared the advising of freshmen with that of upperclassmen. Upperclassmen rated advisers highly on academic dimensions such as knowledge of major courses and graduation requirements. Freshmen saw advisers as concerned about their college adjustment, helpful with referrals, and interested in their general…

This paper describes an academic assistance program designed to help ethnic minority students adjust to the demands of university life and succeed both academically and personally. The Excel program has three major components: a two-semester, two-credit core seminar; weekly instructional support groups; and peer led tutorial/discussion groups. The…

Assumptions concerning the American education system and its social structure and implications for blacks are discussed, and a Frostburg State College program that addresses academic and cultural retention issues for black students is described. This program, the Best System, includes features such as: offering black cultural history; using…

Guidelines to enhancing the freshman year experience are presented in the following chapters: (1) "A Comprehensive Approach to Enhancing Freshman Success" (M. Lee Upcraft, John N. Gardner); (2) "Who Are Today's Freshmen?" (Arthur Levine); (3) "A Historical Look at the Freshman Year Experience" (John Orr Dwyer); (4) "Understanding Student…

Advice about advising and counseling minority students at predominantly white colleges and data about the enrollment and majors of minorities are provided. Included are a list of hints concerning: personal relations and student retention, educational development, financial assistance, and career planning. A list of words and phrases that offend…