This dissertation studies how the work of academic advising in higher education is impacted by the advisor's lived experience and how that lived experience impacts their advising practice and self-efficacy. The core interest of the study is how the experience of being a professional academic advisor impacts advisors' ability to do their work…

Students enter postsecondary institutions to change their lives in some way, with degree pursuits providing opportunities to grow academically, socially, and professionally. However, significant numbers of students are unable to meet the goals they had set for themselves when they entered college. Developed by the What Works Clearinghouse™ (WWC)…

At its most effective, advising is a collaborative process between a student and an advisor designed to help the student realize their educational potential. Most postsecondary institutions have historically used advisors to help students select and register for courses, but postsecondary institutions are increasingly asking advisors to play an…

Despite increasing college enrollment and growing diversity of the college student population, college completion rates are low. Many colleges are exploring ways to leverage technology to improve student retention and increase the educational options for and success of their diverse student bodies. Web-based course or learning management systems…

The use of psychodramatic action methods in academic supervision is examined through the detailed description of a session between a supervisor and a supervisee working on a PhD in the field of Information Systems. The psychodramatic emphasis on spontaneity, reciprocity, and the use of dramatic production have various advantages for post-graduate…

A discussion of Britain's regulation that master's and doctoral degree candidates must have two or three program supervisors identifies four potential problems: fragmentation of supervisory responsibilities; conflicting advice; unproductive games; and absence of overall perspective on the thesis. Experience with an improved, team approach is…

The activities undertaken by the advising system at Oklahoma State University's College of Arts and Sciences are described. In addition, characteristics of colleges that value the academic advising function and the importance of meeting student needs are sketched. One component of Oklahoma State University's advising system has involved…

A discussion of ethics in college academic advising looks at four ideals of ethics (utility, justice, respect for persons, and fidelity), proposes eight ethical principles for advising, and applies them in five hypothetical case studies. The principles are suggested for training purposes, not as a code of ethics. (MSE)

The use of focus groups to assess existing college student leadership efforts and as a step in developing better programs is examined. Procedures include assembling a planning team, identifying information needs, determining the composition of focus groups, soliciting and training volunteers, and using focus group results to design a program. (MSE)

This handbook provides a framework to assist program directors and other administrators as they discuss questions men and women in premedical and medical schools face with respect to: (1) parenting issues; (2) practical and policy-related questions about becoming parents; and (3) whether it is possible to be both a devoted and effective…

An effective academic advising system can assist in the retention of two-year college students; however, the institution and its faculty must be committed to providing such a system. Establishing a successful advising system would require the following: (1) a clear distinction must be made between academic advising and course scheduling; (2)…

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.…

The faculty athletics representative plays an important role in the athletic-academic relationship. This responsibility includes certifying student-athlete eligibility, reporting academic data as required, evaluating athlete-applicant qualifications and abilities, regular evaluation of athlete performance, and participation in evaluation of…

Findings from a study of undergraduate honors education introduce a new perspective into the debate over approaches to academic advising. Learner-centered advising emerged as a key attribute of high-quality honors programs. The learner-centered approach is consistent with a range of advising approaches and styles because through it advisors retain…

An inservice training program for advisers of undergraduate students that was implemented at Michigan State University in 1981 is discussed. Four primary ingredients were essential to establish and sustain the program: financial support and sponsorship by the central administration, the identification and authorization of the appropriate unit and…