A Third Space Approach to Integrated Academic Student Success Advising (ASSA)
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University of the Sunshine Coast
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University of Southern Queensland Australia
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University of the Sunshine Coast Australia
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University of the Sunshine Coast Australia
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University of Southern Queensland Australia
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University of the Sunshine Coast Australia
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University of the Sunshine Coast Australia
Abstract
The Academic Student Success Advising (ASSA) project enacted an integrated academic and pastoral approach to advising using McIntosh’s (2023) fundamental principles of advising. This research conducted at two Australian universities explores how shared principles of advising can provide an underpinning structure to pan-university advising approaches as a mechanism of student development. Forty staff were interviewed, exploring understandings and experiences of advising. Data were analysed through the four key advising themes: inclusive, personalised and integrated, developmental, and student-centred. The findings suggest that staff perceive value in integrated advising approaches that connect students’ academic and pastoral experiences through an ‘advising as teaching lens’ and that link areas of the university to enhance student success. Recommendations highlight the value of investing in staff understandings of advising to enhance student development, the intentional embedding of co-curricular skills, and the continued need to develop systems to track advising outcomes.
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Author Biographies
Dr Cat Picton is a Student Success and Development Coordinator at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Her research interests include student development, student engagement and advising. She has a keen interest in the recognition of integrated ‘third space’ practitioners who work across professional and academic boundaries.
Dr Alison Jaquet is Director (Support for Learning) at the University of Southern Queensland and has 18 years of university experience across academic and professional roles. She champions evidence-based and innovative approaches to enhance learner engagement. Her research interests include student learning and engagement and student partnerships.
Dr Leah Simons is a seasoned researcher and academic with over 20 years of experience in various universities. Leah holds a PhD and Masters from The University of Adelaide and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She is currently working at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and is involved in research focusing on the student experience.
Kaylenne Byrne is an Academic Lead and Nursing Lecturer in the School of Health, known for her extensive clinical experience spanning two decades as a Registered Nurse. Kaylenne's research encompasses nursing clinical placements' cost-effectiveness and strategies for enhancing student academic success, reflecting her commitment to excellence.
Natalie Oostergo is the Associate Director of Student Success at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSC) where she leads the implementation of strategies to support the diverse learning needs of students. Her research interests include student success, student engagement, learning analytics, and enhancing the student experience
Associate Professor Amanda Henderson commenced her career in clinical practice which ignited a passion for ongoing academic research. Her clinical and subsequent academic leadership roles focused on preparing the next generation of health care professionals. Amanda completed her role of the Head of School of Nursing Midwifery and Paramedicine in July 2023.
Professor Denise Wood AM is the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students) at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). She holds an Adjunct professorial research appointment at CQUni and was formerly Engaged Research Chair and Director of the LEAP Research Centre. Her research focuses on strategies for improving educational access and participation.
