Academic Coaches are set up to work with you in-person or remotely. Whether you meet in our Waldo 125 space or via Zoom, your coach will provide a caring and supportive conversation to help you reach your goals!

Schedule an appointment ONLINE!

Have a question now? Appointment too far out? Call and talk to a Strategist!*

  • A Strategist can:
    • Listen closely and compassionately
    • Help find solutions for immediate needs (resources, strategies, etc.)
    • Add you to the waiting list for a coaching appointment (and/or help you make an appointment)
  • Options for Connecting to a Strategist!
    • By phone at 541-737-2272
    • In person in Waldo 125
    • Through the chat box (pops up in the bottom right on this website!)
    • Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm Pacific

*An Academic Strategist, like an Academic Coach, is a highly trained fellow student, and Strategists are available on a drop-in or call-in basis (as well as by Live Chat & email).

What is Academic Coaching?

Academic Coaching is a series of conversations designed to enhance your well-being and your academic performance. Coaching provides a partnership between students seeking to improve their study strategies and peer coaches who are trained to listen and ask thought-provoking questions. Coaching appointments last 45 minutes and provide space for active reflection and self-evaluation. Common discussion topics include time management, test preparation, test-taking, procrastination, and stress reduction. Coaching appointments are individualized, so discussions focus on your unique experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals.

Coaching allows you to identify and implement personal solutions to challenging issues or areas of performance. The goal of coaching is to help you reach your full potential and achieve optimal performance. There are different kinds of coaching in the world – in sports there are coaches and personal trainers for athletes; in business and industry, executives often use coaching to improve their performance and output. Some coaches watch you perform and then give you feedback, some coaches are experts you ask for advice, and some coaches set up practice routines and support people in implementing it.

Watch a Two Minute Video on Academic Coaching!

How can Academic Coaching help me?

A coach can help you determine next steps for upcoming challenges you face, including planning for a challenging course, preparing for an exam, or managing a large course load.  A series of coaching appointments provides a continual structure of support throughout the term or academic year. From working on time management skills to test anxiety, coaches help you stay on track as you progress academically. You can meet with an academic coach once or on a weekly basis to help you increase your confidence and achieve your goals.

How can I make an appointment with an academic coach?

All Academic Coaching appointments are free to undergraduate and graduate students. To schedule an appointment or a series of appointments, you can use our online scheduling system, call the Academic Success Center at 541-737-2272, or email success@oregonstate.edu.

What can I expect in my academic coaching session?

Academic coaching is designed to give you space for a conversation that will help move you forward with your goals and ambitions. Because it is focused on your needs and goals, the coaching appointment will be driven by you. The coach will listen, ask questions, and may provide information about tools and strategies, but most of the time you will be talking through and thinking about the goal you are trying to achieve.

Take a look at what students are saying about Academic Coaching!

  • "Coaching made me feel better about taking my mid-terms and finals!"
  • "The coach gave me the best study tips and helps me plan out my week and set weekly goals."
  • "Coaching really helped me analyze how I was taking tests, and helped show me new things I could try to improve my test taking experience!"
  • "Coaching is the best thing I've done for myself since I started college!"

Click here to view pictures and bios of our current coaches!