Abstract
There are limited data on support services that facilitate students’ academic success at academic health science centres. The authors explored faculty and students’ perceptions of available academic counselling services (ACS) at an academic health science centre in the Southeastern United States. Participants were surveyed in May and June of 2011 regarding the ACS available at the institution. Fifty-nine percent of faculty respondents (N = 471) agreed that academic counselling was a necessary part of the institution, but only 26 % reported knowledge of how to refer students for academic counselling. Only 18 % stated they had previously referred a student for services. Fifty-four percent of student respondents (N = 360) agreed that academic counselling was a necessary part of the institution and 60 % stated that they would seek these services if needed. However, only 35 % of students reported that they were aware of how to access the services. These findings suggest a discrepancy between the belief that academic support services have value and their knowledge about how to utilize the services. It is recommended that academic health science centres consider the promotion of available academic support services amongst both faculty and students when designing and implementing programmes to reduce this potential obstacle to service utilization.
Highlights
Academic health science centres have unique educational considerations that differ from other institutions of higher learning
It is recommended that academic health science centres consider the promotion of available academic support services amongst both faculty and students when designing and implementing programmes to reduce this potential obstacle to service utilization
academic counselling services (ACS) is available to all students on campus and was created to assess problems interfering with academic performance, address the transition to professional school, provide study skills assessment and training, provide time management training, teach testing strategies, assess career goals and interests, address issues related to self-confidence and selfdoubt, screen for depression and/or anxiety, provide stress management training, address relationship issues, and/or assist with loss and bereavement concerns
Summary
Academic health science centres have unique educational considerations that differ from other institutions of higher learning. Some consider the rigors often present in health science education and training a customary part of the overall experience and a good primer for the realities of future professional practice [2]. This logic may result in academic failures [3]. In a study examining students’ utilization of various support services, including academic assistance, researchers found an increase in the overall percentage of students seeking help [4]. Potential barriers explored and discussed by the current study include faculty and student knowledge and awareness of available academic counselling services (ACS) offered to students within an academic health science centre
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