Xiafei Xue

Date of Graduation

Fall 2016

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

David Lutz

Abstract

Advising is an important aspect in academic settings. While the literature has emphasized better academic advising, including the personal qualities of good advisors, there has been little emphasis on ethical issues and ethical concerns related to advisors' roles or positions. The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) provides a set of core values to guide ethical behavior. The current study examined (in an experimental design) faculty, staff, and student perspectives regarding advisors' more ethical, neutral, or less ethical behaviors. Results indicated that there were no significant differences between faculty and staff. All groups could differentiate between ethical and unethical extremes, but students had difficulty differentiating between ethical and neutral behavior. All groups were hesitant to rate advisors as highly ethical or unethical. Even when behavior was seen as less ethical, students and faculty/staff perceived limited opportunity for students to change advisors. Results are discussed within this ethical framework, including the need to recognize these different perspectives.

Keywords

advising, ethics, academic, NACADA, core values

Subject Categories

Psychology

Copyright

© Xiafei Xue

Download

Open Access

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS