Impactful Academic Advising

What Students Recall Years Later

Abstract

Twenty-one graduate students were asked to reflect on what they remember most from their undergraduate academic advising experiences. Impactful advising is defined here as academic advising that leaves a positive, long-lasting effect on students. In this study, three themes emerged, which depict impactful advising. These advisors were inspiring, had a positive attitude, and were intrusive. Academic advisors do not often realize the long term impact they might leave on students. Students may always pay close attention, but they do feel judgment. It is captivating what students recall several years or decades later, such as encouraging words to a struggling student or belittling the student for going to the wrong office.

As students themselves, academic advisors were likely self-motivated and were interested in finding solutions to their academic and personal problems. Frustration can set in when students arrive at advising appointments with no preparation, questions, or ideas related to how they can maximize their total college experience. Assumptions can easily be made about these students, which can be unfair to the student.