Academic Recovery Advising: Changes That Matter

Abstract

Roughly 40% of students who begin a college degree drop out before they finish (Causey et al., 2020). Some students decide the cost outweighs the benefits of a degree given their goals. Some value the degree, but have to work to fund it, and often that job takes priority. Others face struggles unrelated to finances, such as time management, social activities, and a lack of study skills. Many eventually find themselves on academic suspension due to low-grade point averages. The Academic Recovery Advising (ARA) program at Texas Tech University works exclusively with students who are returning from academic suspension or academic dismissal. This program facilitates student success through targeted, one-to-one advising that addresses academic, personal, and financial barriers and provides support to address those issues. The program begins working with students while those students are away from the university, creating a structure and relationship that forms the foundation of the advising partnership when the student re-enrolls.