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Challenging economic conditions, changing student demographics, and heightened levels of accountability require community colleges to address student retention strategically. A historical summary of the community college serves as the platform for the argument for the use of strategic planning as a tool to address both internal and external challenges. The article highlights components of an effective strategic planning process, in addition to providing a framework from which institutions can develop a process to retain students.

Explores how higher education institutions can develop a conceptual model for enhancing student learning and retention by merging the academic and student affairs unit, highlighting such efforts at Olivet College, Michigan. The article presents the societal context and guiding assumptions as they relate to the complex tasks of merging both divisions, highlighting the objectives, process, challenges, and successes of this model. (SM)

Describes all aspects of Olivet College's successful diversity initiative, which incorporated an institution-wide commitment to multiculturalism and minority student success. Efforts involved mission, curriculum, co-curriculum, students, faculty, and staff. Describes these strategies for the benefit of other institutions attempting to create an action plan to address the challenges of diversity/multiculturalism in the higher education system. (EV)

The article provides a blueprint of how a mid-sized community college in the midst of coping with increasing enrollment and scarce resources was able to improve dramatically its services to [...]

Introduces the One-Stop Shop concept and its role within the community college setting by presenting a case study of Onondaga Community College in (OCC) New York. Importance of enrollment management in retaining students; Mission of community colleges; Background on the OCC; Purpose of designing the One-Stop Shop concept.