Development of Sustainable College Counselors' Quality and Promotion Strategies in Shaanxi Province

Sun Li

College counselors -- China -- Shaanxi Sheng

Student counselors -- Vocational guidance -- China -- Shaanxi Sheng

Personnel management -- China -- Shaanxi Sheng

Sustainable development -- China -- Shaanxi Sheng

Strategic planning -- China -- Shaanxi Sheng

This mixed-methods study investigated sustainable quality and promotion of college counselors in Shaanxi Province. The research objectives were: (1) to study the current and expected status of improving the quality of college counselors in Shaanxi Province; (2) to develop strategies for enhancing sustainable college counselors’ quality and promotion; and (3) to evaluate the feasibility and adaptability of the proposed strategies. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 341 counselors from five universities. Data were collected using a five-point rating scale questionnaire, supplemented by interviews, focus groups, and expert evaluation forms. The instrument demonstrated excellent content validity (IOC=1.00) and high reliability (S.D.=0.94). Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, mean (M), standard deviation (S.D.), and PNImodified, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Strategy formulation was conducted using SWOT analysis and the TOWS Matrix and subsequently verified through focus group discussions.
The findings, aligned with the research objectives, revealed that:
(1) Current and expected status: The overall current status of counselors’ sustainable quality was at a moderate level (M=3.18, S.D.=0.22), whereas the expected status was high (M=4.00, S.D.=0.07), indicating a significant gap across all dimensions Ideological and political quality emerged as a relative strength (current M=3.56, S.D.=0.83; expected M=4.50, S.D.=0.55). However, professional evaluation and assessment (current M=3.15, S.D.=0.58; expected M=4.42, S.D.=0.58) and psychological and emotional quality (current M=2.97, S.D.=0.99; expected M=4.44, S.D.=0.57) were identified as the weakest areas. Qualitative data further highlighted heavy workload, high stress, insufficient mental health support, limited professional and research support, inadequate digital management systems, and unclear promotion standards. (2) Strategy development: A comprehensive strategic framework was developed, comprising one vision, five main strategies, nine sub-strategies, and 18 operational projects designed to systematically address identified gaps. (3) Feasibility and adaptability: Expert evaluation indicated that the proposed strategies achieved very high levels of feasibility (M=4.63, S.D.=0.21) and adaptability (M=4.65, S.D.=0.19), confirming their practical applicability The study provides an evidence-based and operational strategic framework that can be directly implemented by universities and relevant authorities. The findings offer concrete guidance for optimizing professional evaluation systems, strengthening psychological and emotional competencies, reducing excessive workload, enhancing mental health and professional development support, upgrading digital management platforms, and clarifying promotion criteria. This research contributes practical value for advancing the sustainable development of college counselor teams in Shaanxi Province and similar higher education contexts.

Keywords: Sustainable development, college counselors, quality and promotion, strategy development, SWOT/TOWS, Shaanxi Province.

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University. Office of Academic Resources and Information Technology

Touchakorn Suwancharas

Sunate Thaveethavornsawat

Areeya Juichamlong

2025

2026-08-18

2026-08-18

2026-08-18

thesis

application/pdf

eng

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Doctoral Degree

Educational Management for Sustainable Development

Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University