Description
The Academic Coach works with students to build the skills, habits, and strategies needed for long-term academic success — distinct from subject-specific tutoring. Rather than focusing on course content, the Academic Coach helps students with time management, organization, study skills, goal-setting, and navigating academic challenges. This role is especially valuable for students on academic probation, those flagged through the Early Alert process, or students who want to strengthen their overall approach to coursework.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet regularly (one-on-one) with assigned students to assess academic strengths, challenges, and goals
- Help students develop personalized study plans, time-management systems, and organizational strategies
- Support students in building effective habits around note-taking, test preparation, reading comprehension, and prioritization across multiple courses
- Follow up with students identified through the Early Alert process or referred by faculty/staff, and track engagement and progress over time
- Help students set short- and long-term academic goals and monitor progress toward them
- Refer students to appropriate campus resources (subject tutoring, Writing Center, ADA/accommodations, advising, counseling, financial aid, etc.) as needs are identified
- Maintain accurate, confidential records of coaching sessions and student progress
- Communicate regularly with the Academic Support Services Coordinator regarding trends, concerns, or students needing additional intervention
- Attend required coach training and staff meetings
Requirements
- Currently enrolled student in good academic standing (minimum cumulative GPA of [3.0], or as otherwise specified)
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Empathetic, non-judgmental approach; able to build trust with peers who may be struggling academically
- Self-directed and reliable, with the ability to manage a caseload of students independently
- Prior experience in peer mentoring, tutoring, RA/leadership roles, or similar preferred but not required
- Faculty or staff recommendation may be required