| Higher education has evolved through the years to meet the needs of an ever changing global economy. Community colleges have started to offer online courses to meet the needs of students who cannot attend traditional in person institutions. Online education is not a new phenomenon; however, community colleges continue to try and meet the needs of students through various modalities. Community colleges continue to rise to the occasion in assisting students in meeting their academic goals. The community colleges offer resources students need to assist in student's overall educational experience. Academic advising is a resource that evolved with assisting students through various delivery modalities, such as, email, live-chat, and by phone. Academic advising continues to play a vital role in the overall college experience. An academic advisor's job is to educate, support, and guide students through their educational journey.;Therefore, the qualitative component of the study outlines common themes and differences amongst academic advisors. The quantitative data shows degree completion of advisees as well as total population. Data collected and illustrated, based upon selected academic advisors interviewed and assigned to advisees, did not represent a high volume compared to the total population of students who completed an associate degree in the 2011--2012 academic year.;However, there is opportunity to improve the impact academic advisors have on its advisees along their educational journey. This study offers a snapshot of the vital role academic advisors play with respect to serving students of The Online Community College of the Southwest. Additionally, this study allows the Academic Advising Department leaders to gain insight with respect to best tools and strategies to serve online learners. Further, this study may impact colleges across the country seeking ways to improve retention and graduation rates. Various metrics and targeted strategies may improve both. Continual assessment of current policies, procedures, metrics, resources and support programs may only improve and determine best practices and strategies leading to improved retention and graduation rates. |
