UNcovering Graduate Student Achievement at Virginia Commonwealth University: An Exploration of Academic Advising & Administrative Processes

Abstract

Virginia Commonwealth University\u27s (VCU) Graduate School submitted a Request for Partnership, with the problem being a lack of consistency and formal advising standards for graduate students across various academic units at VCU. As a result, the Graduate School observed an impact on student success, including retention and graduation of graduate students. A capstone team was constructed to determine, through focus group interviews, surveying, and document analysis what the best practices for graduate student advising are and what the administrative processes and challenges that program directors, support staff, and faculty face in administering their graduate programs and advising. Findings suggest that various academic units meet the needs of their graduate students based on the resources and structure currently set in place. Academic units have the challenge of high turnover in critical positions, a lack of continuity from year to year, and funding shortages to support graduate students; however, there is a collaborative relationship between the Graduate School and academic units. Recommendations provided by the capstone team focused on enhancing standardization between academic units to increase equity and the graduate student experience, streamlining records management, and deepening the relationship between the Graduate School and academic units to address faculty and staff concerns better and increase student success outcomes