Looking for a personalized way to strengthen your college success skills? Academic Life Coaching can help you take charge of your learning, build effective habits, and achieve your academic and personal goals.
Offered through the Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success and campus partners, this strengths-based program supports students who want to boost their confidence, manage their time, and navigate college life with purpose.
What is Academic Life Coaching?
Academic Life Coaching is not advising, counseling, or mentoring. It’s a collaborative, student-driven experience that focuses building the skills and habits that support success in college and beyond — all tailored to your unique needs.
During 30-60 minute sessions, you and your coach might explore topics like:
- Building better routines and managing your time and priorities effectively
- Balancing school, work, and life
- Knowing when (and how) to ask for help and where to go to find it
- Boosting motivation to initiate tasks, overcome procrastination, and stay focused
- Setting meaningful goals and following through
- Sharpening study strategies and executive functioning skills
You’ll also take the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI) during your first session to highlight your strengths and potential areas for growth. After 3–5 sessions, you’ll retake the LASSI to reflect on your progress and consider next steps.
How do students participate in Academic Coaching?
Through Summer 2025, participation in the Academic Life Coaching program is by referral only. While we are focused on referrals from partner offices, if faculty/staff are working with a student they believe would benefit from academic coaching, they should contact the Chaiken Center to discuss. The program will be available more broadly at University Park in fall 2025.
Our coaches are experts in your success
Every Academic Life Coach has completed an intensive, 26-week training program accredited by the International Coaching Federation. This ensures they are equipped to provide professional, effective, and personalized support tailored to your needs.
Our current team includes 12 professional staff members from across University Park, representing offices such as:
- Adult Learns Programs and Services
- Division of Undergraduate Students
- Journey Center, College of Education
- Penn State Chaiken Center
- Penn State Learning
- Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center
- Student Care and Advocacy
- Student Disability Resources
- Veterans Affairs and Services
To learn more about the Academic Life Coaching program at University Park, please refer to our FAQs or contact the Chaiken Center.