The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study is to highlight the characteristics that first-time, first-year students at a small, private, faith-based university in South Florida perceive as part of quality advising, what qualities of advising this group of students perceive as most important for their retention, and whether the advisors believe the same qualities are important to helping retain these first-time, first-year students. The research design includes interviews with first-time, first-year students and the advisors of this group of students to gain insight into the characteristics that make up quality advising from their perspective. Tinto's Theory of Student Departure will serve as a guide in analyzing the data collected and discovering recurring themes. The study's findings will contribute to the existing knowledge on student perception of advising and fill the gap in the knowledge by focusing on a small, private, faith-based university. This research is important for advising professionals and higher education administrators. By concentrating on the impact of student perception of advising on retention in relation to first-time, first-year students, this study aims to assist colleges and universities in developing a better understanding of how these students' perspectives of their advising processes impact their retention. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]