As part of the Student Success Initiative housed in the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, this study examines the implementation of the Ecological Validation Model of Student Success (EV) within academic advising and coaching. Recognizing that student persistence is shaped by a validating campus ecology, we aim to assess current EV knowledge, identify gaps in practice, and develop campus-wide training recommendations.
A mixed-methods approach was utilized to gather data. A survey measuring EV-aligned practices and comfort levels was distributed to campus advisors and coaches, with closed-ended responses analyzed via descriptive statistics and open-ended responses evaluated through thematic analysis. Simultaneously, the Validation Training Task Force used an action research framework to guide the development of an asynchronous training course that includes pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up assessments to collect additional data.
Preliminary insights indicate that fostering an ecosystem of validation requires intentional institutional commitment and robust professional development, which serve to address structural barriers and the gap between EV endorsement and advisors' and coaches' ability to apply EV concepts. This presentation will detail survey outcomes, showcase the training course, and outline future collaborations to foster a culture of validation on campus that elevates student success.
