The Design and Implementation of an Online Advising Portal for Graduate Students

Online education has taken precedence worldwide, not only temporarily due to the COVID 19 new reality, but also because higher education institutions have realized the importance of meeting the needs of all types of students. As higher education institutions increase their online offerings, we need to take into consideration the importance of quality in online student support services, such as academic advising. To prevent feelings of isolation, reduce attrition rates, and boost retention, success, and graduation rates, and implementation of a virtual advising portal is highly recommended. Online advising is a way to provide vital sensitive, flexible, and innovative services, which may support the distance education students in achieving their educational goals. Through the online advising portal, students and advisors can overcome the challenge of creating relationships in the absence of direct contact. Implementing an effective advising portal is vital for student success, as it may connect the virtual learner with not only the university resources but also with the appropriate personnel. This portal may help break down the existing barriers of time and place faced by online learners. Advisors should implement the advising hub as a connection between the students’ virtual realm and the higher education institution. In order to provide the online learner with a 24/7 service located in one place, with on-demand access that contains rich multimedia resources, the design of a virtual learning portal was created. This hub will flip the traditional advising model and put more of the responsibility for obtaining basic information on the students. The portal will offer a one-stop-shop of relevant information, links, videos, and other academic advising resources. The timely responsiveness and connection with an advisor promote a successful educational experience making it a powerful retention tool