Abstract
Introduction: The academic advisor, acting as a bridge between students, faculty, and the university system, plays a crucial role in the academic and psychological well-being of students. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of an effective academic advisor from the perspective of medical and health services management students at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.
Materials & Methods:This study was conducted using qualitative content analysis with the participation of 17 medical and healthcare management students from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, who were purposefully selected due to their rich experience in the subject matter. Data collection was carried out through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews and field notes. Sampling continued until data and category saturation were achieved.
Results:From the students' perspective, effective academic advisor characteristics were identified across three main themes: behavioral characteristics of academic advisors, academic guidance skills and characteristics of academic advisors, and non-academic guidance skills and characteristics of academic advisors. Thirty-four sub-themes were also identified. The emergent themes indicated the importance of salient characteristics of an effective academic advisor.
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it is necessary for the university to place particular emphasis on attracting advising professors with scientific and leadership skills in all aspects of student life related to their education. The results of this study can be useful in improving the capabilities of advising professors.
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