Abstract
Brief Literature Review
Review of the literature demonstrates students are more academically successful and make better educational decisions when they understand how their interests and abilities fit within their chosen field. Effective advising addresses numerous aspects of the undergraduate's academic career. Advisors are trained to be knowledgeable about rules and regulations that can positively impact the success of students in their careers. (Archer, 1991; Fields & Barrett, 1996; Mack, 2004).
Purpose of Project
Higher educational institutions must consider factors that increase graduation rates. This study examined the role and impact of academic advisors in promoting students success. The purpose is two-fold: to determine the influence of mandatory academic advising on student academic success and to analyze student satisfaction regarding academic advising. Academic advisors serve as essential ingredients in increasing student achievement by removing the barriers and roadblocks faced in their educational careers and guiding them in their journey through the postsecondary educational system. The results of effective advising are increased retention and graduation rates (Astin, 1993; Pascarella, 1991; Haworth & Conrad, 1977).
Methodology
The researcher conducted a quantitative study examining one institution and the influence of academic advising on measureable student outcomes, i.e. retention and graduation rates. The researcher developed and used data from the survey and from the Office of Institutional Research (OIR) on graduation and retention rates to evaluate the influence of mandatory and non-mandatory academic advising on student academic success and to analyze student satisfaction regarding academic advising.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Several concluding impressions were apparent from this study. First, this study did not find academic advising to influence retention and graduation rates at GSU. Second, although there may be individual differences, in general the students do not think academic advising is useful in helping them meet their goals. And finally, students are not aware of the goals of Academic Advising. The impact of mandatory advising through the University Academic Advising Center should be evaluated. The advising system at GSU should be evaluated for effectiveness; students apparently do not differentiate between major advising from their program faculty and advising from the Academic Advising Center. Develop a stronger relationship between the Academic Advising Center and individual department. The impact of mandatory New Student Orientation should be evaluated. Further studies on how to make advising more useful, and change student perspective would be valuable.