https://doi.org/10.1177/0042085919894048
Urban Education
1–27
© The Author(s) 2019
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DOI: 10.1177/0042085919894048
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Article
Examining the Academic
Advising Experiences
of Black Males at an
Urban University: An
Exploratory Case Study
Royel M. Johnson
1
, Terrell L. Strayhorn
2
,
and Christopher S. Travers
3
Abstract
To ensure the effectiveness of academic advising efforts on campus and to
increase Black male collegians’ use of such services, administrators must
better understand how Black males experience academic advising in college.
This exploratory qualitative case study aims to understand the academic
advising experiences of Black males at a large urban, predominantly
White institution. Participants in this study (a) experienced a number of
process-related challenges, including difficulties with scheduling advising
appointments and accessing their academic advisor; (b) stressed the role of
race and culture in academic advising; and (c) highlighted positive outcomes
of formal and informal advising. Implications for research, practice, and
policy are discussed.
Keywords
postsecondary education, programs, public higher education, Black males,
subjects, African American students, urban education
1
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
2
LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN, USA
3
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA
Corresponding Author:
Royel M. Johnson, Center for the Study of Higher Education, The Pennsylvania State
University, 405B Rackley Building, University Park, PA 16802-3203, USA.
Email: rmj19@psu.edu
894048UEX XX X 10.1177/0042085919894048Urban EducationJohnson et al.
research-article 2019