University Undergraduate Division Advisor Influence On Student Curricular Choice In The Field Of Agriculture PDF Download

Abstract: Academic advising is an integral part of the college experience. Outcomes of academic advising may be more critical than realized by either advisors or advisees. Studies have been compiled to suggest that meaningful and developmental contact with advisors promotes student success (Johnson & Wang, 2011; Kuh, 2008; Tuttle, 2000). However, a review of literature was used to reveal that students are dissatisfied with their academic advising, and that an extensive need exists to educate and train academic advisors on methods needed for establishing effective advising for college students. Therefore, the purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to describe current undergraduate students' perceptions of academic advising practices within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) at The Ohio State University. The theoretical foundation for this study included two theories of student development. Perry's (1970) Theory of College Student Intellectual Development was used to describe how college students progress through three major stages of thought in their cognitive development. Chickering's (1969) Seven Vectors of Student Development Theory was used to identify seven vectors along which college students continually develop. The researcher-designed questionnaire in this study contained 20 Likert-scale items that originated from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The researcher employed an online survey provider for data collection. Analyses of the results indicated that academic advisors in CFAES were providing good quality advising to their undergraduate advisees. Academic advisors in CFAES were rated positively in regards to their relationships with undergraduate advisees. Students reported that advisors were available, and provided accurate and up-to-date information when it was needed. It was also found that the institution provided good quality academic advising to undergraduate students in CFAES, as well as provided support to help students succeed academically through academic advising. Analyses of the results also identified areas of improvement for academic advising practices in CFAES. Academic advisors in CFAES are advising only half of their assigned undergraduate advisees, while half of the students indicated they were using sources other than their assigned advisor for advising needs. It was also reported that academic advisors in CFAES do not tend to discuss career plans with undergraduate advisees. It was concluded that undergraduate students in CFAES were generally satisfied with the quality of academic advising they received at the college and the institution. Relationships indicated that the more frequent contact advisees have with their advisors, the more likely they were to be satisfied with the advising practices and engaged in enriching educational experiences. Recommendations included providing academic advisor training for new faculty members to inform them of the policies, procedures, and effective practices in academic advising. A second recommendation was for the college to conduct professional development opportunities for faculty members who serve as advisors to update them on the current research and advising practices. Further recommendations included to assess the effectiveness of advisors by using student feedback and to encourage advisors to maintain regular office hours and offer varied modes of contact with advisees.