Academic Coaching

What is academic coaching? 

Academic coaching is a one-on-one partnership between a student and a coach. Through a dialogue tailored to the student's needs, interests, strengths, and goals, coaching provides students with a space to enhance their academic practices and their confidence as learners (self-efficacy) to maximize their success in college and beyond.

All students can benefit from academic coaching, not just those who are struggling or underperforming in their studies. Academic coaching promotes academic and personal growth, regardless of the level you are currently working at.

What can an academic coach support me with?

An academic coach can support you with many aspects of your studying and learning, including: 

• Adjustment to college
• Goal setting and planning
• Making the most of classes
• Motivation for learning
• Reading and note-taking
• Study strategies
• Test preparation and test-taking
• Time management and organization

What does an academic coach not do?

• We don't give you the answers but provide tools and strategies to empower your growth to self-discovery.
• We don't do your work for you.
• We don't offer tutoring or subject-specific advice.
• We don't advise on what grades you will receive.
• We don't take responsibility for the grades you receive.
• We don't advise on your current or future class schedule. Your Academic Advisor will be happy to assist you.

Who are the academic coaches? 

We are pleased to offer both professional academic coaching and peer academic coaching.

Dr. Adam Scales, Assistant Director of Academic Resources, offers one-on-one professional coaching for academic success.

We also have a team of highly trained peer academic coaches who are excited to work with students to support their academic and personal growth. As current undergraduate students, our peer academic coaches can relate to your experiences of studying and learning at W&L.

Both professional and peer coaching can be scheduled through Penji.

How can I meet with an academic coach?

Please access the Penji platform or download the Penji app. Once you have accessed Penji, you will see the academic coaching community and will be able to schedule a one-off session with a coach, or a recurring session if you would prefer to meet more regularly.

You will be able to select a type of coach (professional or peer), and will then select a date, time, and meeting location. Once your session is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation from Penji with the details. Please save the meeting invite so you are reminded of your coaching session.

How can I prepare for my academic coaching session?

Before your session, consider specific areas of your studying and/or learning you would like support with. You may also find it useful to prepare a list of questions you'd like to address with your academic coach to bring to the session with you.

You will see a chatroom feature on Penji and you are encouraged to use this to chat with your academic coach before the session if you have questions.

How can I make the most of my academic coaching session?

During the session, we encourage students to be open about their experiences and ask specific questions to make the most of their time with an academic coach. We also encourage students to take notes during the session as these will be useful when applying strategies to your studying and/or learning in the future.

How many sessions will I need with an academic coach?

Some students benefit from one coaching session and feel empowered to move forward independently. Other students attend coaching over the course of a semester or longer. You will have an opportunity to plan a coaching schedule with an academic coach during your first session.