Abstract
Magnifying the historical challenges faced by graduate students, the COVID – 19 global pandemic caused significant disruption to graduate education and forced abrupt changes to personal, professional, and academic aspects of life. Though high attrition rates plague many graduate programs, advising is recognized as crucial to graduate student persistence and success. This qualitative phenomenological study explored graduate student perceptions of advising during the COVID – 19 global pandemic. The sample consisted of eight individuals who were enrolled as full-time graduate students during the 2019 – 2020 and 2020 – 2021 academic years. Four components of Situated Learning Theory, as identified by Stein (1998), provided a framework for this study, and include content, context, community of practice, and participation. Data collection methods included questionnaires and individual semi-structured interviews which were analyzed using initial and pattern coding. Four themes emerged from the data analysis process: advisor access and responsiveness, meaningful advisor relationships, change in setting and shift in student priorities. Some participants provided insights as to how quality advising promoted persistence and feelings of support. Others expressed frustration and additional stress stemming from perceptions of poor advising practiced. This study illuminates the important role of advising in student persistence through times of disruption, like the COVID-19 global pandemic. The foundation of a meaningful relationship and communication are vital for developing an individualized approach to advising, which is vital for graduate student success.
Date Dissertation Completed
8-2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate of Education
Department
Education Studies
Dissertation Advisor
Dawnette Cigrand
Dissertation Committee Members
Carrie Brouse, Donghyun Kang
Location
Winona, MN
Recommended Citation
Perry, Carson L., "Graduate Student Perceptions of Academic Advising During a Global Pandemic" (2022). Education Doctorate Dissertations. 11.
https://openriver.winona.edu/educationedddissertations/11
Included in
Academic Advising Commons, Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Online and Distance Education Commons
