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Proactive Advising

Require advisors to take a preemptive approach that anticipates and helps eliminate concerns, roadblocks, and barriers affecting student success. Through strategic and consistent outreach, ensure advisors are a resource for students, working with them to create a holistic plan for a timely graduation.

Anticipating Student Needs

Proactive advising shifts from reactive, appointment-based advising to engaged, data-driven support that anticipates student needs and removes barriers to success using real-time analytics, early warning systems, and regular check-ins to identify at-risk students.

Access Barriers

Many students, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, don’t know when or how to seek help

Late Intervention

Waiting for students to request help often means problems have already escalated

Institutional Gaps

Students with the lower confidence are least likely to utilize opt-in services

Photos by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library

Proof Points

Proactive advising facilitates improved outcomes by initiating contact to offer assistance before challenges become insurmountable, creating more equitable access to support systems.

  • Students with proactive advising show higher persistence rates and earlier registration activity
  • Increased advising frequency associated with increased attempted and completed credits
  • Research shows proactive model enhances motivation and increases class attendance and retention
  • University of Cincinnati achieved 15.8% increase in first-year enrollment and 1.9 percentage point retention lift

The University of Cincinnati embraces proactive advising culture leveraging data analytics and intelligent student success platforms, achieving 15.8% increase in first-year enrollment and 1.9 percentage point improvement in retention through proactive, data-activated success initiatives driving equitable outcomes.

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH

Benefits

Proactive advising creates systematic support that identifies and addresses student challenges early while providing institutions with improved completion rates and more effective resource utilization.

Early Resolution

Problems addressed before they become insurmountable barriers to success

Improved Outcomes

Higher retention, completion, and academic performance through timely intervention

Expanded reach

Proactive outreach ensures all students receive needed support regardless of background

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