Practitioner Inquiry to Develop Antiracist Advising Practice: Investigating Issues of Equity and Access

Abstract

In the field of academic advising, the advising and retention of students of color are of particular concern. Academic advisors can utilize practitioner inquiry to better understand the (in)equities in their interactions with and in service to these students. Our inquiry was conducted over one semester at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) in the mid-Atlantic region. We utilized practitioner inquiry groups and the Equity Scorecard to identify antiracist actions in our advising practice, including supporting students' connectivity to support services on campus and advocating for changes to inequitable campus systems. The implications demonstrate why advisors may conduct a similar inquiry on their advising practice. The findings further emphasize the importance of proactive approaches and modeling advocacy in prior advising studies.