Ties That Bind: Academic Advisors as Agents of Student Relationship Management

Abstract

To affect college retention, academic advisors should act as agents of student relationship management by strengthening the connection between students and their institutions. Satisfaction and dissatisfaction with academic advising as perceived by 29 college students at 3 midwestern comprehensive institutions are described. Discussion is framed in the context of student relationship management theory and the critical incident technique. Recommendations for academic advising practice are offered.