Analyzing Student Issues and the Influence of Academic Advisors

Abstract

Education is essential for everyone. It is the level of education that helps people earn respect and recognition. The importance of education is undeniable for every single person. It goes without saying that education has a positive effect on human life. All people need to study. Only with the advent of education can people gain knowledge and enlarge their view over the world. For example, learning by watching TV or reading books gives people a huge amount of information about anything they are interested in such as mathematics, current news, exchange rates, other countries\' cultures and so on. Educational Academic advisors (EAA) help students to recognize and achieve their educational goals, primarily at the postsecondary level. They help students to examine school programs, recognize their academic strengths and select a major.

Introduction

1. Importance of Education:

Education is foundational to human civilization, technological progress, and societal advancement. It shapes individuals, enables innovation, and is increasingly vital in a developing world.

2. Role of Academic Advisors:

Academic advisors are critical support figures in both high school and postsecondary education. Their main duties include:

• Helping students choose suitable programs and majors

• Providing guidance for academic planning and goal setting

• Assisting with course selection, schedule planning, and graduation tracking

• Monitoring student progress and providing intervention when needed

• Offering support for at-risk students and those on academic probation

• Referring students to appropriate campus resources

Effective advisors are proactive, approachable, well-informed, and empathetic toward students' needs.

3. Common Challenges Faced by Students:

Students encounter various academic, emotional, and social issues, including:

• Stress from academic expectations and career uncertainty

• Homesickness and difficulty adjusting to independence

• Disappointment with campus life versus expectations

• Academic challenges, such as demanding workloads and new grading styles

• Cultural and social adjustment to diverse environments

• Difficult roommate situations or conflicts

• Exposure to risky behaviors like substance use and peer pressure

• Changes in identity, appearance, and lifestyle

• Difficulty maintaining contact with family and old friends

• Emotional burdens from supporting troubled peers

Parental support should be balanced—offering guidance without overstepping, while encouraging students to take responsibility.

4. Nature and Responsibilities of Academic Advisors (EAAs):

Advisors must:

• Help students plan and revise academic paths each semester

• Monitor and document academic performance and personal progress

• Provide orientation support and address academic challenges like low grades

• Approve course changes, major switches, and track graduation requirements

• Refer students to other institutional resources when needed

• Keep advising records and stay current with institutional changes

• Be available for regular communication and personalized support

5. Qualities of Effective Advisors:

Successful advisors exhibit:

• Genuine interest in student development

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Frequent, proactive engagement

• Deep knowledge of institutional systems

• Use of developmental advising (beyond just course planning)

Conclusion:

Education is essential for societal and personal growth. Academic advisors play a crucial role in helping students navigate the complex educational environment, overcome challenges, and make informed decisions for their future. Their support is instrumental in student success and well-being throughout their academic journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, education is absolutely beneficial for society on the whole. It is a life-long process to each person that need to be reinforced throughout life. However, we need education system that may eradicate illiteracy and may provide the common man an access not only to basic education but also to higher and technical education. An academic advisor is similar to a guidance counsellor in a school setting, as they are both professionals who serve as educational resources to students.

References

[1] Coburn, K. L., &Treeger, M. L. (2003). Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years. (4th ed.). New York: Quill Press. Dr. Michael Obsatz, Professor Emeritus, Macalester College. [2] Lauer, J. C., & R. H. Lauer. (1999). How To Survive and Thrive in an Empty Nest: Reclaiming Your Life When Your Children Have Grown. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc. [3] Pasick, P. (1998). Almost Grown: Launching Your Child From High School to College. New York: W. W. Norton and Company. [4] Barkin, C. (1999). When Your Kid Goes to College: A Parent’s Survival Guide. New York: Avon Books. Johnson, H. E., & Schelhas-Miller, C. (2000). [5] Seaman, B. (2005). Binge: What Your College Student Won’t Tell You. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (This title is misleading; this is a very good description of the current state of college life, its everyday stressors and joys, and is not nearly as shocking as the title suggests.) [6] Van Steenhouse, A. (2002). Empty Nest, Full Heart: The Journey from Home to College. (2nd ed.). Simpler Life Press

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ankita Mathur, Rainy Jain. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.