FAQ

Students attending Academic Coaching can expect to receive a personalized and welcoming space to develop academic, professional, and personal skills to progress toward your unique desired outcomes. Coaching is for any enrolled student wanting to develop their general study strategies.

Coaching sessions are offered in-person and online via Zoom. Meeting on Zoom necessitates attendees come prepared with a working camera and microphone system turned on. If you have issues or would like to request accommodations, please let the office know by emailing academic_support@auburn.edu or by calling 334-844-5972.

Academic Support is committed to serving all Auburn University students, and coaching is designed to be a welcoming and affirming space. In these professional meetings, all parties are expected to follow student conduct standards and uphold the values articulated in the Auburn Creed.

The Academic Coaching program consists of a 60-minute intake followed by three to five 30-minute coaching sessions. The program is designed to support ongoing skill development over the course of the semester.

We encourage students to continue working with the same coach for all appointments. All enrolled students are welcome to return for services should they find their needs or circumstances have changed and further services are warranted.

• Show up to your appointments. Please visit Make an Appointment for more details about scheduling.
• Be your genuine self. This program is designed to be specific to You and we aim to create a brave and safe space for you.
• Be open and honest with your coach about your goals and challenges. Students who attend coaching earn higher term GPAs while in coaching than their prior semesters.
• Complete active practice assignments. Not homework, but behavioral and learning strategies that over time can become strategic habits for academic success.
• Aim for consistent efforts toward your academic goals. Remember, you are welcome to return to coaching any semester you’re enrolled with Auburn.

Academic Coaches partner with students to progress toward identified academic and professional goals through the application of strategies, study skills, and habits applicable to any subject. While Academic Coaching is not designed to provide tutoring on a specific subject or content area, coaches can target skills and strategies necessary for specific course goals. Coaches also support students as they navigate any available course specific resources and communication with professors.

Yes, Academic Coaching is a free service for enrolled Auburn University students. If you are unable to attend an appointment, we ask that you call 334.844.5972, email academic_support@auburn.edu, or cancel on Advise Assist. 

Please note you can reschedule Academic Coaching Intake appointments through Advise Assist, but coaching sessions are not available to be rescheduled through Advise Assist. We ask students call our main line at 334-844-5972 or stop by the office at 2234 Haley Center for support rescheduling a coaching session.

Academic Coaches support students in navigating their collegiate success. When students meets with their coach, they will receive referral information to campus resources, programs, and people to support their goal achievement. We encourage students to look through the Helpful Resources page to explore some of our most helpful tools.

Academic Support provides additional resources for students who want to improve their academic performance. Study Partners offers free peer tutoring for a variety of courses, and Supplemental Instruction (SI) facilitates active learning for content mastery in traditionally challenging courses. For general information about all Academic Support services, please contact Academic Support at 334.844.5972 or academic_support@auburn.edu for opportunities to learn more.

Additional helpful resources are linked throughout our website and we encourage students to take advantage of these services. The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering offers tutoring for some of its courses, and the College of Sciences and Mathematics has a drop-in center that offers free tutoring in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Additionally, for written projects, the Miller Writing Center provides free consultations for all types of writing.

Academic Coaches in Academic Support are graduate student educators dedicated to supporting student success. Coaches complete over 35 hours of training each year, which begins prior to the start of the semester and continue ongoing as they earn level I, II, and III Peer Educator Certifications. Training for Academic Coaches includes areas such as: the coaching model and application, learning theories, teaching and counseling skills, and referral strategies. Coaches learn to create goal-driven plans and collaborate with students to achieve their desired outcomes in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Coaches engage in an observation protocol to reinforce and support growth and development through formal feedback.

Being an Academic Coach in Academic Support includes access to resources that aid in planning and facilitation, as well as Coach Buddy Mentorship, monthly professional workshops, and a cadre of colleagues eager to reflect, give feedback, or share ideas and plans. All Academic Support employees are encouraged in their goals for career competency.

To schedule an Academic Coaching appointment, please visit Make an Appointment for links and directions.