African-American Male Business Students Perspective Of Academic Advising: A Retention And Success Strategy

Abstract

Academic advising is an essential component of any institution of higher education. Advisors and advisees work together to make an individual academic plan based on each student's weaknesses, strengths, and goals. The advising relationship is an on-going communication that transcends course selection and should attempt to assist students as they explore the breadths of the curriculum, experience college life, focus on a major concentration, and prepare for life after graduation. In order to improve advisement in the Business Administration Program at a Historically Black College, a questionnaire was developed and administered in various classes within the Program. The purpose was to identify possible weaknesses in academic advising and make necessary changes and adjustments to better serve the students’ needs and enhance retention and institutional effectiveness. This study identifies and indicates that students are significantly dissatisfied with the current advisement system in the Business Program at the College.  Based upon findings of this investigation, recommendations are made to improve the advisement system.