Who Students Go to for Academic Support: A Qualitative Look at Students' Help-Seeking Preferences

• In Event: Leveraging Institutional Resources to Enhance the Experiences and Outcomes of Diverse Students

Abstract

Most higher education institutions offer some type of tutoring service that includes, but is not limited to, writing tutoring, peer mentoring, and study skills assistance. Students who utilize academic support services such as tutoring have been shown to exhibit higher grade point averages and higher course completion rates. Despite ample opportunities to receive academic assistance, undergraduate students typically under-utilize academic resources such as tutoring services and support from their instructors. The present study aims to add to the current literature concerning academic help-seeking behavior among undergraduate college students. Specifically, this study utilized focus groups to help further illuminate the barriers that prohibit students from seeking help from faculty and other campus services

Authors

• Karen Shebuski, Western Carolina University

• Ellen Ava Sigler, Western Carolina University

• Chesney A. Reich, Western Carolina University