Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Appreciative Advising Inventory

Identifying College Student Assets for Successful Transition

Bryant L. Hutson

Ye He

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v19i1.2776

Keywords: Appreciative Advising Inventory (AAI), minority, positive psychology, StrengthsQuest, Values in Action (VIA), discover, dream, design, deliver

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Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to illustrate how the Appreciative Advising Inventory (AAI) can be used in student success programs to identify students' assets and strengths in order to promote their successful transition to college. The results of the study indicated that college students who are placed on academic probation shared internal assets related to their commitment to learning and positive values. The student success programming described in this study appeared to facilitate students' development of external assets, especially regarding boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time. Students' positive values, positive identity, and support/connectedness were noted as indicators for their academic success in college. Implications of the study for college administrators, staff, instructors and students were also discussed.