Administrators Faculty And Support Staff Perceptions Of The Advising Roles For Student Retention PDF Download

In the dynamic educational environment, college and university leaders are feeling more pressure from federal and state funding agencies to justify the rising cost in college education. A major influence in student success is the ability of students to develop attainable educational and career goals. College administrators put academic advisors in place to help shape and advance these goals and to give students additional support. A strong emphasis is put on the importance of academic advising. The research study sought to examine what can be learned from individual interviews with exemplar academic advisors to improve the academic advising process. The research study specifically explored how exemplar faculty's perceptions of academic advising impact the advising process at North Atlantic Technical College (pseudonym). To answer this question, the exemplar advisors detailed their perceptions of the tools, training, and education they have and use toward carrying out the advising process. Participants also described what barriers and supports are in place to determine how their perceptions of academic advising impact the outcome at North Atlantic Technical College. The research design used was an interview-based basic qualitative study to build on previous studies of academic advising by reviewing the literature on what should happen throughout the advising process and which skills and tools the advisor uses to assist students in navigating through academic, career, and personal objectives. Findings within the study identify advisor perceptions of the academic advising process and bridge the gaps between understanding and inefficiency in the advising processes. Applying such understanding may prove advantageous for both students and advisors by (1) elevating retention for the college/university, and (2) successfully guiding the student toward earning a college degree.