From Community College to Graduate School: Exploring the Role of Academic Advisors in Promoting Graduate Education at Baccalaureate Degree-granting Community Colleges
ABSTRACT An increasing number of community colleges have expanded their programmatic offerings to include baccalaureate degrees. Given the representation of low-income students and Students of Color in community college, increased credential requirements for professions that once required only a bachelor’s degree, and the benefits of graduate education, such as differences in lifetime earnings, baccalaureate degree-granting community colleges must foster a culture that promotes the full range of post-baccalaureate options, including graduate education. Drawing from validation theory and the concept of warming up, the purpose of this study was to explore the role of academic advisors in promoting graduate education at baccalaureate degree-granting community colleges. Findings highlight promising academic advising policies and practices that can serve to extend educational pathways for students who choose to pursue their bachelor’s degree at the community college. In addition to specific recommendations, we also discuss directions for future research.