A study evaluated the effectiveness of unionization of academic advisors at Youngstown State University in achieving economic, career, and professional goals. It was found that unionization has adequately addressed job security needs and defined workload requirements but fell short concerning annual salary increases, merit pay, and opportunities…

Three groups of college students (n=125) watched videotaped advising sessions. In the tapes, advisors addressed students formally (using "Mr."), using first name, or using no name. As predicted, use of formal address increased perceived advisor persuasiveness. Name use did not significantly affect perceptions of advisor credibility,…

Excerpts from a guide for college students in conquering mathematics anxiety are presented. Selections, reconfigured for counselor and advisor use, offer coping techniques for overcoming fear of mathematics, the conviction that mathematics is a White male domain, and the assumption that one cannot be good in both mathematics and language arts.…

The Course Selection Matrix Chart helps student and counselor produce an objective ranking of available courses. The versatile and convenient five-step self-help method can accommodate comparison of up to seven courses and may be modified to compare items other than courses. (MSE)

A three-day program at the College of the Holy Cross (Massachusetts) was developed to address low retention rates for African-American students meeting the usual predictive criteria for academic success. It familiarized students with the college, allowed them to meet significant college community members, and assisted in adapting to academic…

The president's address, delivered at the 1989 annual meeting of the National Academic Advising Association, outlines four steps to prepare the academic advisor for harmonious entry into the 1990s, including use of computer technology, developmental principles, program planning and evaluation, and professional development opportunities. (MSE)

A Rutgers University (New Jersey) survey of 1,670 students and 54 departments identified differences between faculty and student perceptions of "good" advising. Students relied more on printed information and friends than on academic advisors. Advising sessions usually involved discussions about registration and drop/add problems.…

A study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Massachusetts) found a positive relationship between freshman (n=262) decidedness regarding academic major and both anticipated adjustment (prematriculation) and actual adjustment (postmatriculation), more academically than socially. Comparison with another study suggests the relationship is stronger in…

Ways in which campus security may affect the academic programs of subgroups of students, such as women, or individual students are offered, including usage patterns of some facilities and course selection or study group attendance based on time or location. Faculty and advisors are encouraged to consider security an academic issue. (MSE)

In an attempt to increase the quality and effectiveness of academic advising, an Auburn University task force examined the duties and responsibilities of academic advisors. Based on the job analysis, a behavioral/results-oriented appraisal system to assess advisor performance is recommended as valid, cost effective, and practical. (Author/MSE)

It is suggested that institutions shift from a student-centered to parent-and-student-centered freshman orientation. Planning significant events for parents improves orientation quality and provides public relations opportunities. Good orientation will benefit parents, students, and the school. Application of a psychographic typology creates a…

A consortium of 20 organizations has designed standards and guidelines for improving the quality of student services and the training of professionals involved in student services and development programs. They address a variety of issues including mission, program design, leadership and management, administration, funding, facilities,…

An Iowa State University survey of 404 senior engineering students investigated student use of advisors, services and information sought, and patterns of use and satisfaction related to student gender, grade point average, and age. Higher-performing students expressed more satisfaction, and younger students used advisors more for some services.…

A study using results of the American College Testing Service alumni survey evaluated the perceived utility of academic majors, congruence between major and career, quality of educational preparation, and effects of gender on the outcome measures for 55,000 college alumni. Results are summarized and discussed. (Author/MSE)

A study of 187 students reinstated to the College of Education at Iowa State University from 1981 to 1987 showed that a student's previous academic deficit in college and classification (grade level) are characteristics significantly related to success on reentry. Suggestions for enhancing persistence and success are offered. (Author/MSE)