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Academic Achievement Center
Division of Student Success | Departments | Academic Achievement Center | Academic Success Coaching

Academic Success Coaching

“Academic skills coaching helped give me plenty of study tips and strategies to help me succeed. I definitely learned how to improve my note-taking skills in the classroom. Richard helped me organize each topic into different sections to help space out my studying. This strategy helped me understand and apply material on any exam.”

UNCG understands the challenges of managing academics, which is why the Academic Success Coaching Program (ASCP) offers personalized support. Through interactive partnerships between students and coaches, ASCP aims to enhance resilience, self-efficacy, and self-advocacy skills. Academic Success Coaches assist in maintaining motivation, honing problem-solving abilities, and fostering academic confidence while promoting principles of self-care and campus belonging. Together, coaches and students devise tailored success plans leveraging individual strengths and UNCG resources. Coaches facilitate skill development, connect students with relevant services, and introduce avenues for campus involvement, empowering students to translate their aspirations into achievements.

“I expected my peer coach to be knowledgeable about tips and strategies I could implement to be successful in my academic career. He was. The session gave me some different ideas on how to better manage my times and assignments.”

Program OVerview

What Kind of coaching is available?

ASCP offers two coaching styles:

  • Peer coaching: undergraduate student coaches available to all UNCG students and embedded into select courses to support skill development and resiliency.
    • Peer Coaching is designed to help with:
    • Academic skill development (e.g., test preparation techniques, goal planning, study strategies)
    • Improving performance over time (e.g., helping with motivation, concentration, developing time management, accountability and organizational skills), and
    • Encouraging resource utilization (e.g., strategies for reaching out to faculty, using on-campus support services, participating in on-campus activities, and building proficiency with Microsoft Office)
  • Executive coaching: graduate assistants working with a cohort of students across different majors and class standings, typically by referral. Cohort students receive an invitation the summer before their first semester attending UNCG.
    • Executive coaching can help with the same areas that Peer Coaching, with an additional focus on developing skills related to Growth Mindset– or the belief that abilities are developed through practice over time. Executive Coaches offer strategies that build self-esteem, self-confidence, and a sense of personal responsibility for academic success.

“Grace was great! Very knowledgeable about the course and good at teaching us/making us think about how to organize our study materials. Really makes you feel cared about. Thank you Grace!!!”

how to participate

  • Students who are interested in participating in peer coaching can schedule an appointment by going to TracCloud.
  • Students who are part of the Executive Coaching cohort can schedule an appointment with their coach by going to Starfish.

“It [coaching] impacted how I manage methods on staying motivated in school, it taught me ways to stay productive in my courses.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Any UNCG student that is motivated and inspired to improve their academic success can receive peer coaching services. Certain first-year students are automatically eligible to participate in Executive Coaching– these are students who, generally, do not have other academic support programs specific to them.

Coaching is a partnership between students and coaches that inspires students to strive towards reaching their fullest potential. Our Coaches partner with students in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires the student to maximize their personal and professional potential.

The exact number of meetings will be determined based on the individual motivation and needs of each student, however, students receiving peer coaching should expect to meet with their coach at least twice each semester. Students receiving Executive Coaching services are expected to meet with their coaches at least once a month throughout the semester (about four meetings total), although they can meet more often if they wish to do so.

  • The coaching relationship is most meaningful when you work collaboratively with your coach to design a plan to tackle your challenges and meet your goals.
  • Successful coaching requires:
    • Open and honest communication to build a safe and supportive relationship that fosters growth and motivates change.
  • Active and intentional engagement and commitment in the coaching process.

Additionally, we ask all students who participate in coaching to:

  • Attend and arrive on time for your scheduled sessions
  • Be prepared to take notes, ask questions, and participate in activities
  • Let your coach know if you need to cancel– give as much notice as possible

The specifics of each meeting between you and your coach may differ, but, broadly, all meetings will include:

  • Collaboration to develop achievement plans, track progress, and maintain accountability.
  • Discussion and brainstorming about how to overcome current or anticipated challenges.
  • Provision and recommendation of resources when additional support is needed.

Coaches are trained to assist in the identification of resources that will best serve you in your path to success. When a referral is necessary, coaches will work with you to identify the most beneficial resource.

  • Professional coaching focuses on setting goals, creating outcomes, and managing personal change. Coaching is a partnership between students and coaches that inspires students to reach their fullest potential.
  • We know that sounds a lot like a bunch of other “helping professions”, so sometimes it’s helpful to understand coaching by distinguishing it from what it isn’t.
  • Coaching is NOT…
    • Therapy / Counseling (Coaching focuses more on performance and does not treat mental health diagnoses)
    • Tutoring (Coaching is not specific to the course content but rather on your specific behaviors and strategies)
    • Consultations (unlike meeting with a consultant at the Multiliteracy Centers, ASCP Coaching is more holistic and focuses less on a specific project or assignment and more on habit building)
  • If you’re interested in Counseling or Tutoring, you can click the links above to learn more about what UNCG has to offer in those areas.

The Students First Office at UNCG has compiled a great list of resources and services available at UNCG. Click here to learn more.  

REFER A STUDENT

Contact us

  • Email aac@uncg.edu
  • Call 336.334.3878
  • Stop by Jackson Library, suite 023 (lower level)
    M-Th 9AM – 6PM and F 9AM – 4PM while classes are in session!

Academic Achievement Center

Jackson Library 023
aac@uncg.edu
336.334.3878

Communication Lab

3211 MHRA Building
Commlab@uncg.edu
336.334.3125

STEM Learning Center

Faculty Center, 402 College Ave.
slc@uncg.edu
336.256.2597

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