Student Affairs Mentoring Practices: Student Leaders' Perceptions of Quality

• In Event: 63.072 - Conceptualizing and Utilizing Mixed-Methods Research

Abstract

This explanatory mixed method study was designed to explore the advising relationship between university student affairs professionals and undergraduate student leaders. In particular, the researchers were interested in understanding the intersection of interpersonal communication skills, levels of burnout, and the quality of mentoring as perceived by student leaders. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and a Communication Skills Survey were administered to determine the engagement-burnout-dimension of university staff and student perceptions of their advisors’ communication competence and credibility. Interviews with university professionals and student leaders were conducted to further understand the advisor-advisee relationship. The practices of advisors perceived as effective by their mentees are described. Implications from these findings are important in considering the responsibilities and job descriptions of student affairs professionals.

Authors

• Kim D. MacGregor, Louisiana State University

• Craig A Marcus, Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge

• Erin Vaughn, Lakeridge Elementary

• Jerry Michael Whitmore Jr, University of Wisconsin - Madison