Early and Strategic: A Multi-Faceted, Low-Burden Approach to Advising First-Year College Students

• In Event: Accountability to What: Institution Responses to Shifting Equity Landscapes

Abstract

Investments in first-year initiatives can foster belongingness and retention in the institution. Advising is a commonly applied strategy, but how can universities better spread their resources to accommodate the diverse needs of students? This paper looks into a multi-faceted model for professional advisement, instituted in the context of a learning community initiative for freshman students at a large, urban public university. The researchers unpack the approach, describing the quantity, purpose and setting of advising touchpoints. The work is part of a larger Randomized Controlled Trial focused on the larger effect of the comprehensive program. Comparisons are also made between the advisement experience of students in the treatment (learning community model) versus the control (traditional first-year path).

Authors

• Francheska Olivia Jimenez, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Yingxin Ye, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Caron M. Mineo, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Christine Banks Calderon, City College of New York

• Ellen B. Meier, Teachers College, Columbia University