This research study examined student perceptions of advisement experiences with a primary role advisor in a centralized advising office. The intent was to explore the connection between academic advising and student connectedness to the institution. This study utilized Tinto's theory of student departure to provide an understanding of how student success can be impacted by institutional relationships, particularly in a community college environment. Tinto asserted that a student's decision to stay or depart from an institution was largely impacted by interactions and relationships between the student and other members of the institution (Tinto, 1975). This study aimed to explore students' perceptions of effective advising strategies and barriers, which may have contributed to their retention and persistence. This study utilized a qualitative case study approach, guided by three research questions. Data collected consisted of observations, interviews, and artifacts. Data analysis explored thematic connections linking student advising and student support experiences to overall institutional connectedness. The findings of this study can be used to inform future decision making about the delivery of advising services, specifically focusing on the needs of community college students.
Academic advising is the second most important function in the community college. If it is not conducted with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness, the most important function in the college—instruction—will fail to achieve its purpose of ensuring that students succeed in navigating the curriculum to completion. The purpose of academic advising is to help students select a program of study to meet their life and vocational goals. As such, academic advising is a central and important activity in the process of education. Academic advising occurs at least once each term for every student in the college; few student support functions occur as often or affect so many students. But while there is general agreement concerning the importance of academic advising for the efficient functioning of the institution and the effective functioning of the student, there is little agreement regarding the nature of academic advising and who should perform the function. In this seminal work on academic advising, the authors of three overarching chapters address the key issues and challenges of academic advising followed by the authors of four of the most innovative and successful programs of academic advising in the nation.
The purpose of this study was to examine if community college students in differing learning communities had different perceptions of their career and academic needs and whether students in different learning communities perceived their career and academic advisor as meeting these needs (i.e. are they satisfied with their advising). In addition, this study examined the variables of gender, ethnicity, and enrollment status and their relation to students’ needs and satisfaction across learning communities. The Community College that provides the backdrop for the inquiry has recently transitioned to Academic and Career Learning Communities. This institution defines its communities as similar majors grouped into concentrations so students can benefit from advisors dedicated to a student’s program, a closer connection to experienced faculty, and collaboration with like-minded students.A quantitative, non-experiential survey design was utilized for data collection. The survey utilized was adapted and modified from a survey originally developed by Leonhardy and Jimmerson (1992) and contained 43 questions, divided into 7 categories. Each category focused on an aspect of career and academic advising (i.e. academic, rules and regulations, course selection and information on majors, career development, counseling, advising climate, and general advising). There was also opportunity for students to leave additional comments.The Qualtrics survey link was sent to 6,994 students’ college email account and was available for 4 weeks. After two reminders, the original responses totaled 578 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and multiple regression to determine the association between the variables of interest. The results of this study indicated that there were significant differences across three learning communities when compared to the Health and Veterinary Technology Community in four advising need categories. Asian, Black, and Hispanic students had significantly more advising need in two, three, and four (respectively) of the advising needs categories when compared to White students. Females had significantly less advising need in the category of rules and regulations. Enrollment status produced no significant differences related to needs or satisfaction. No significant differences were found across learning communities related to satisfaction. However, Black, American Indian, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and Other students had statistically significant levels of higher satisfaction across learning communities compared to White students. The results support the need for colleges to investigate the different advising needs of students within various learning communities, as well as investigate the needs of minority students in learning communities. It is in the best interest of an institution to understand student needs so that advising may be tailored to meet these needs. Information on satisfaction is equally imperative to an institution, as students who are satisfied may be more likely to persist in school. In turn, it is critical to understand the operational definition of learning communities for proper interpretation and use of results.
This research project examined students’ perceptions of academic advising through an online survey method at select two-year colleges within the Minnesota State College and University System. The purpose of this research was to build upon scant existing research relating to student satisfaction with academic advising models utilized by individual colleges. The purpose was to also identify the academic advising model preferred by students. The sample for this research consisted of 177 students enrolled at two-year state community and technical colleges. Outcomes indicated a preference for the developmental model of academic advising. Outcomes also indicated that the developmental model of academic advising was reported to be commonly utilized by the colleges participating in the research.
