An Examination of and Recommendations for the Academic Advising Program at Bethany Bible College
Author: Janet Marples Starks
Publisher:
Published: 2008
Total Pages:
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThe purpose of this study was to examine thoroughly the perception of students and faculty advisors concerning the purpose and practice of the academic advising program at Bethany Bible College, a small, residential, four-year private college in rural New Brunswick. Among the guiding research questions was the determination of whether students and advisors have the same perceptions of the purpose of the College's academic advising program and, following that, the determination of whether or not this purpose is being fulfilled. A survey of all students and advisors revealed that the strength of the program is the relationships built between students and advisors. The weakness is that the benefits of the relationships are not being maximized because there are multiple, limited perceptions of the purpose of the advising program. As a result of the study and, in light of advising theory, a series of recommendations for a more effective program of academic advising has been developed. The greatest need identified is that of a common understanding of the purpose of academic advising. Many of the recommendations focus on providing increased assistance and information for advisors so they can help students more effectively. Whereas these recommendations will be implemented in the coming academic year as a result of this project, their application is beyond the defined scope of the project.