2000 RP Group Awards

Award for Excellence

Ruth Logan and Peter Geltner
Santa Monica College
The Influence of Session Length on Student Success

This study reviews the influences of term length on student success rates. In examining courses offered in 6-week, 8-week, and 16-week patterns, the authors found that both the student success rate and the student retention rate were significantly higher in shorter-term courses. Analysis of a variety of sub-categories including different faculty and different students groups provided these same, consistent results.

Award of Distinction

Christopher Myers, Larry Imwalle, Daniel Chodos, Stephanie Betancourt, and Sharon Perez
Hartnell College
1998 Diversity Survey Final Report

This report summarizes the results of diversity surveys administered to employees and students at Hartnell College. The purpose of these surveys was to identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement related to diversity issues. The results were intended to be used to develop and implement ideas that would enhance Hartnell's campus climate to be more supportive of students and employees.

Award of Distinction

Andreea M. Serban
Santa Barbara City College
Evaluation of Fall 1999 Online Courses

The tremendous growth of online, Internet-based education is an acknowledged trend, however, the debate over its value and quality is far from reaching a resolution. This study presents both an approach to profiling and tracking students enrolled in online courses and to evaluating the effectiveness of online education in terms of student outcomes. Issues addressed include profiling and evaluation taxonomy, study method, data sources and analysis, and implications for the marketing and delivery of online education. The study provides an evaluation framework that any college offering online courses and programs could replicate.