Academic advisors need training and development in three critical components for effective practice: conceptual (students and institutional context), informational (laws, policies, procedures) and relational (interpersonal skills). Yet, the relational component is often neglected. Limited research explores the relational component and its presence in training and professional development programs for academic advising. This two‐phase sequential explanatory mixed methods study investigates the relational component in an advising professional development program. In phase one, we found relational learning opportunities were lowest among the three areas and did not significantly impact advisor evaluation score. Themes uncovered in phase two regarding perceptions of the relational component and factors impacting advisor performance suggest more emphasis on relational training and advisor assessment of relational competencies is critical to professionalizing the field.
This qualitative study explored what support community college transfer students relied upon while transitioning to a 4-year university. Investigators examined experiences of 12 full-time degree-seeking students who previously attended a community college. Data included a series of three individual interviews with participants and reflective journals completed by six participants. Two primary agents of support were identified: academic advising and personal support. Participants emphasized active and implied support needs, types, and functions throughout the entire process. By understanding community college transfer students' needs, institutions (agent networks of support) can equip advisors and institutional staff (agents) with the information and resources (functions) that will assist students with a positive transition. We offer implications for advising training and opportunities for collaborative institutional partnerships.
Transfer agreements between institutions have existed for decades, but a newer 2+2 model provides pathways to bachelor's degree completion for students who initially applied to 4-year institutions but were not admitted. Most literature on these programs focuses on how articulation agreements and dual-admissions processes provide a gateway to baccalaureate degree attainment. Scant academic literature has focused on how institutional partnering programs facilitate the transfer process for students. This descriptive case study examined one dual-admission transfer program at a large Hispanic-Serving Institution and offers implications for practice, future research, and program design.
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