Quality academic advising in higher education is the product of a multitude of elements not the least of which is institutional vision. By recognizing and embracing an institution's concept of its capabilities and the kinds of educated human beings it is attempting to cultivate, advisors gain an invaluable apparatus to guide the provision of effective educational planning to students. In a case study survey, we assessed whether and how institutional vision can be transformed into action as both vision-driven initiatives and more incidental activities reflective of an institution's vision statement.

Relative emphasis: theory, research, practice

The Survey of Academic Orientations (SAO) measures six orientations in college students believed to represent desirable or undesirable perspectives. Previous research established the connections of SAO orientations with grades and persistence. This study shows the extended utility of the SAO as an early warning indicator, enabling advisors to identify those students most likely to experience high levels of academic stress.

Relative emphasis: theory, practice, research

The definition and the need for appropriate services to the gifted college population are not as apparent in the postsecondary environment as in the K-12 schools. Many college educators perceive that college curricula provide the needed rigor and enrichment for gifted and honors students to make continuous progress in their learning. We explore perceptions of college honors students who were in gifted programs in their secondary learning environments. Through focus group discussions, students report that often college courses do not meet their need for more challenging learning opportunities. Based on our findings, we suggest ways that college advisors and faculty members can serve honors students in ways that challenge their learning and address their unique psychosocial needs.

Relative emphasis: practice, research, theory

Academic program closure is explored and student advising needs that emerged in 3 stages of program decline and discontinuation are identified. Data from interviews and advising communication of 20 graduate students enrolled in a master of education program targeted for discontinuation were qualitatively analyzed within a framework of an organizational death model. Findings indicate that program decline and discontinuation require academic advisors to understand and respond to a range of advising needs that vary with the phase of program closure: addressing students' emotional responses of grief, anger, and betrayal as well as managing student concerns over the loss of professional identity and lack of a professional network. Recommendations are offered for faculty advisors caught in the midst of program discontinuation.

Relative emphasis: practice, research, theory

Sophomores interested in professional colleges with grade-point average (GPA) standards for admission to upper division courses will need specific and realistic information concerning the requirements. Specifically, those who fall short of the standard must assess the likelihood of achieving the necessary GPA for professional program admission. The Excel spreadsheet described in this paper yields quantitative data that serve as a basis for clear communication and effective advising. For students who have a high probability of success, the information provides a target, and the accompanying advising can increase motivation to reach it. Conversely, students not likely to attain the necessary GPA can be more easily convinced to redirect their time and energy into another major in which they can be successful.

Relative emphasis: practice, research, theory

Five potential work profiles for full-time academic advisors, based on the impact of technology, are proposed. The forces accelerating the impact of technology are identified, and the impact of emerging technologies on full-time advisor practice is discussed.

Relative emphasis: theory, research, practice

Using grounded theory methodology, we examined the experiences of first-generation Latino/a college students. Themes emerged in students' interactions with and perceptions of peers, advisors, and faculty members. A model derived from the data was developed to describe the unique ways first-generation Latino/a students sought information relating to classes, transferring, financial aid, and careers. We conclude the article with six recommendations and a discussion of how advisors might work with the Latino/a student population.

Relative emphasis: research, practice, theory