Faculty's perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in academic advisement
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2015
Abstract
Purpose and Method of Study
This study investigated faculty’s perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in academic advisement and their perceptions of their competencies to carry out these roles and responsibilities. The study also considered the professional development and training requirements for effective academic advisement. In this quantitative descriptive study, a web-based survey was administered to 326 undergraduate faculty in 22 four-year public and private colleges and universities. The instrument included demographic questions. and attitudinal questions, and one open-ended question.
Findings and Conclusions
Faculty confirmed that they carried out responsibilities for academic advisement which included degree/career planning, talking about personal issues, institutional policies advising, relationship building, knowing student characteristics and their circumstances, mentoring, referrals to support services, and technology use in academic advisement. Most faculty expressed competence in the academic advisement activities stated in the survey such as different degrees offered, knowledge of student’s cultural background and characteristics, expertise in recognizing and responding to students with mental health issues, advanced interpersonal skills, and technology use for advisement.
Most faculty supported the provision of initial orientation and mentoring by experienced faculty as part of training and development. Faculty also agreed that training in basic counselling skills, risk management for mental health issues, advanced interpersonal skills, academic advisement support systems, degree/career planning, dealing with parents of advisee and legal issues, and mentoring students would be beneficial for excellence in academic advisement. Other agreed training items were cultural diversity and social awareness, academic advisement models and consultation and communication committee participation.
Recommended Citation
Daniels, K. (2015). Faculty's perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in academic advisement. Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis database (UMI No. 3708894)
