The Directed Dream: Rethinking How Advising Relates to Student Success at a California Community College

• In Event: Institutional Supports that Matter: Examining Coaching, Microgrants, and Pathways to College Completion

Abstract

Using student-level data from a California community college, this study examines how academic advising relates to student success as defined by student goal attainment, accounting for students’ self-reported goals. I find additional terms with counseling are associated with higher likelihoods of attaining degree goals, while making a comprehensive education plan is not. ESL students are more likely than non-ESL peers to attain degree goals, but this is mediated by the fact they are more likely to receive advising. These results demonstrate more advising might not always be beneficial, and highlight the significance of differentiated advising practices and underscore the benefits of tailoring support to students’ diverse backgrounds and educational goals.

Author

• Hoyun Kim, University of California - Berkeley