Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the perceptions, strategies, and practices of academic advisors that influence the academic success of active-duty military and veteran students.Theoretical Framework. Validation theory was used as a lens to determine academic advising support strategies for active-duty military and veteran students. The concept of validation theory in higher education promotes confidence and academic success among college students. Validation theory was used to connect academic advising support strategies to increased academic success for military and veteran students who are often marginalized students. Although this population is not always considered underserved or first-generation college students, most are adult learners, which is a unique population of students who often need validation from faculty and staff to be successful.Methodology. This qualitative study utilized phenomenology to describe the lived experiences of academic advisors. Academic advisors were interviewed to explore support strategies for military and veteran students that impact academic success. The perceptions of academic advisors were explored to determine shared lived experience. Data were collected from academic advisors who experienced a specific phenomenon, and themes were developed to determine a description of the experience.Findings and Conclusions. The following five themes emerged as a result of academic advisor interviews: building trust, mission-focused motivation, impact of COVID-19 on advising, support strategies and resources, and advising best practices for academic success. Participants described effective support strategies for active-duty military and veteran students leading to successful degree completion. These findings suggest that academic advisors who demonstrate characteristics of empathy, accessibility, and military knowledge assist in building trust, sustaining relationships, and encouraging active-duty military and veteran students to be academically successful.Recommendations. Academic advisors at institutions of higher education will benefit from the implementation of training programs to assist in supporting military and veteran students. Additional training topics suggested include relationship building, how to manage students in difficult situations, learning how to diversify advising meetings and communication methods, and understanding how to better advise military and veteran students by implementing advising techniques from developmental advising, proactive advising, and strengths-based advising.