Examining the Academic Advising Experiences of Black Males at an Urban University: An Exploratory Case Study

• Published in: Urban education (Beverly Hills, Calif.) Vol. 58; no. 5; pp. 774 - 800
• Main Authors: Johnson, Royel M., Strayhorn, Terrell L., Travers, Christopher S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.06.2023; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Academic Advising; Academic guidance counseling; Administrators; Advisors; African Americans; Attitudes; Barriers; Black college students; Blacks; Case studies; College administration; College Students; Colleges & universities; Cultural Context; Males; Predominantly White Institutions; Racial Factors; Student Experience; Urban areas; Urban Universities; public higher education; Black males; subjects; African American students; programs; urban education; postsecondary education
• ISSN: 0042-0859; 1552-8340
• DOI: 10.1177/0042085919894048

To ensure the effectiveness of academic advising efforts on campus and to increase Black male collegians’ use of such services, administrators must better understand how Black males experience academic advising in college. This exploratory qualitative case study aims to understand the academic advising experiences of Black males at a large urban, predominantly White institution. Participants in this study (a) experienced a number of process-related challenges, including difficulties with scheduling advising appointments and accessing their academic advisor; (b) stressed the role of race and culture in academic advising; and (c) highlighted positive outcomes of formal and informal advising. Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.