Challenges and Coping Strategies of Campus Advising in the Post-Pandemic

Abstract

Student organizations have a significant role in preparing students for real-world experiences. However, due to the effects of COVID-19 on various institutions, including schools, students, especially campus advisers, have faced challenges and opportunities in facilitating these organizations. This study used qualitative descriptive research design to describe the challenges and coping strategies of campus advisers in advising student organizations in the post-pandemic. Using criteria, five campus advisers from different organizations at the college were selected. The semi-structured instrument guide constructed by the researchers was utilized to gather data. Informants were personally provided with a printed interview questionnaire to serve as a guide during the interviews. Smartphones and audio-voice recording were utilized to accurately capture informants’ responses. Thematic data analysis was conducted on the collected data. The results included two significant themes such as challenges and coping strategies. Further, seven meaningful categories emerged from the analyzed data.  The findings revealed that campus advisers before, during and after the pandemic encountered challenges such as competing priorities, resource constraints, pandemic induced issues and administrative and logistical challenges. Regardless, coping strategies were used including self-management, social support and adaptive coping. Despite the promising career prospects and opportunities in advising, advisers face significant challenges that impact their well-being. Yet, they employ diverse strategies to overcome these obstacles as resilient individuals.