Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2006

Thesis Director

James Wallace

Thesis Committee Member

Charles Eberly

Thesis Committee Member

Karla Sanders

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present study was to assess students' perceptions of intrusive advisement approaches used by Gateway Program staff at Eastern Illinois University in comparison to non-intrusive advisement approaches utilized by faculty advisors in academic departments. To date, no research has been conducted in this area at this institution. A secondary purpose of the present study was to ascertain the perceptions of students regarding their student/advisor relationships and the knowledge levels of advisors regarding the university and degree requirements. A third purpose for the present study was to assess students' perceptions of the effects academic advisement had on their matriculation behavior and success in fulfilling degree requirements. The sample population for the present study consisted of former Gateway students admitted during the fall 2002 semester. At the time of the study, these students had declared majors and currently met with faculty advisors within their academic degree programs. The method of data collection consisted of one-on-one interviews. An analysis of interview responses facilitated the identification of major themes and related issues. Several conclusions were drawn from the findings. First, students were positively affected by the intrusive advisement approach utilized within the Gateway program. Second, students reported having important personal relationships with both Gateway and faculty advisors. However, students' relationships with faculty advisors primarily depended on each student's perceptions of the amount and quality of time spent with their faculty advisor. The results are presented as discussion of the research questions based on a comparison of the responses of former Gateway participants. Recommendations for future academic department and Gateway Program advisors and future researchers are given.

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