All work on this page falls under the intellectual copyright © of Jennifer Beach. 2022
This poster explores the multi-year, collaborative, pilot program between an academic librarian and the director of the Office of Student Success with the goal of reducing the advising burden on staff, and increasing positive outcomes for students on academic probation. Students at Longwood University, USA, whose cumulative grade point averages (GPA) have fallen below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale earn a status of academic probation and are assigned an appreciative advisor, or coach, to provide mentorship and assistance while the students work to restore their academic standing. Appreciative advising differs significantly from academic advising, in that it focuses on early intervention to address academic performance, with the ultimate goal of improving student retention.
Students receive individual mentoring on time management, study skills, and communication skills. Many students also require guidance on reaching out to campus resources for mental health support and tutoring. Librarians, with their focus on services and their innate research and study skills, are uniquely positioned to mentor students in academic trouble. by providing and empathetic, supportive environment, academic librarians can empower students to reengage with their learning, and improve their academic standing. What better match could there be than between a librarian who cares deeply about helping students succeed and the Office of Academic Success?
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