The Role of Academic Advising and Mentoring in Promoting Student Success and Retention

Abstract

This research investigates the landscape of academic advising and mentoring in private universities in Lahore, Pakistan, aiming to fill a notable gap in the existing literature focused predominantly on Western educational settings. The study adopts a pragmatic paradigm, utilizing a mixed-method approach to assess the current state of advising and mentoring, examine their perceived impact on student success, and identify challenges hindering their effectiveness. The population comprises teachers and students from various private universities, and data collection involves structured questionnaires and interviews. Results reveal a highly positive perception among participants, indicating the effectiveness of advising and mentoring. Regression analysis demonstrates the predictive power of both advising and mentoring on student success. Thematic analysis uncovers key challenges, including high student-to-advisor ratios, lack of professional development, limited resources, communication issues, and diversity-related challenges. The study concludes with actionable recommendations to enhance advising and mentoring practices in private universities in Lahore, contributing valuable insights to the global discourse on effective student support mechanisms in diverse educational settings.