What Online Students Really Need From Their Advisors

Academic advising plays a powerful role in shaping the experience of online and non-traditional students.

A recent article in the Journal of Appreciative Education makes a compelling case for how institutions can elevate virtual advising from transactional to transformational.

New Research

In “Enhancing the Online Student Experience through Appreciative Advising,” found in the Journal of Appreciative Education, four advising leaders and researchers from SUNY Empire State College examine the implementation of Appreciative Advising in its fully online model.

The authors describe a strengths-based, relationship-centered framework built around the six phases of Appreciative Advising. What makes their approach especially noteworthy is how intentionally it is adapted for virtual learners.

Instead of relying on physical proximity, advisors build connections through:

• Personalized email communication

• Proactive outreach and milestone check-ins

• Extended advising appointments

• Collaborative degree design for individualized programs

Students responded positively to:

• Advisors who invested meaningful time in conversations

• Proactive, strengths-focused dialogue

• Clear communication plans during critical academic milestones

• A holistic support network that extended beyond course selection

One key insight from the article is that students often equate the time spent in advising with the level of care they receive. Longer, intentional meetings helped shift advising relationships from transactional to transformative.  [Additional Reading: Academic Advisors' Mental Health is a Critical Issue]

The takeaway is insightful. Online advising does not have to feel distant or procedural. When grounded in strengths, empathy, and proactive design, virtual advising can foster belonging, confidence, and persistence.

If you work with online-only students, this research is worth your time.

🔗 You can read and download the full article here for free.