An analysis of the records of students at risk for dismissal at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences was undertaken to identify characteristics that correlated with success or failure. Four groups were identified: academic problems, intrapersonal problems, interpersonal problems, excessive anxiety, and limited…

A questionnaire was developed and tested in 1980-81 to determine any differences between University of Saskatchewan students who were required to discontinue their studies and students who successfully completed their first year. A list of factors considered to contribute to student failure was developed, and the format involved a personalized…

Factors that influence satisfaction and retention of nontraditional students in graduate programs of education were studied. The study participants attended a major, midwestern university and consisted of three groups: 10 Hispanic graduate students (26-58 years old); 10 Anglo graduate students (29-43 years old); and graduate faculty teaching the…

Studies conducted by the University of California and California State University, concerning the time students take to complete the baccalaureate degree, are synopsized and reported. The methodology, findings, and conclusions of each report are provided separately, and the reports themselves are appended, along with the survey instruments. A…

Research and descriptive studies conducted from 1966 to 1979 in the area of mature women returning to school are reviewed, and an annotated bibliography in this field is presented. Some important articles from the early sixties are also included. The following topics are considered: description of women returning to college, reasons for returning…

The response of the University of Minnesota (UM) to minority education is addressed in this document, which contains three papers and the proceedings of the First Annual Minority Student Personnel Workshop at UM. Among the general areas of concern identified by the school's Office for Minority and Special Student Affairs (OMSSA) are the following:…

A multivariate model to explain student success and failure at the Open University of the United Kingdom is outlined. The model is based on the results of an evaluation study that explored the suitability of this teaching system for young people under 21 years old. Twenty-three characteristics were designated as social and psychological problems,…

Perspectives on university-level studies and factors that affect student performance are considered, based on experiences and research conducted at the University of Bergen, Norway, and the University of Birmingham, England. Topics include the following: student goals; the use of lectures for larger groups; the importance of early feedback;…

A study was undertaken, in 1976 and for the three following years, of adult students in Australian higher education. The study examined: (1) the phenomenon of adult students and the extent of their involvement in higher education; (2) the politics and practices of institutions towards these students; (3) staff attitudes in the courses; (4) adult…

Although more and more students have the test scores and transcripts to get into college, far too many are struggling once they get there. These students are surprised to find that college coursework demands so much more of them than high school. For the first time, they are asked to think deeply, write extensively, document assertions, solve…