A comparison between Asian and Pacific Islands students in their use of academic advising services

In New Zealand, there is growing evidence to suggest an academic achievement disparity between Pacific Islands and Asian university students. The present study investigated an aspect of this disparity and considered students' intentions to seek academic support services and their actual uptake of those services. One hundred and fifty two tertiary students participated in the study. Students were asked if they intended to access academic support services and whether they actually accessed these services. In addition, levels of academic achievement were obtained from academic records. The findings clearly showed a difference in grade average scores, with Asian students obtaining higher scores than Pacific Islands students. There were, however, no differences between the two groups in their actual use of academic advising services despite the Pacific Islands students indicating greater intent to seek assistance. The lower grade achievement and the higher intention to access services suggest there are definite implications for educationalists.