Academic Success Coaching

Build skills. Stay on track. Reach your goals.

Feeling stuck, stressed, or just want to level up your skills? Academic Success Coaching is a free, personalized way to strengthen your habits, stay on track, and feel more in control of your college experience.

You'll meet 1:1 with a trained coach who will help you set goals, manage your time, and build strategies that work for you. Whether you want to bounce back or move forward, we’re here to support your success every step of the way.

“I have learned to gain more confidence in myself and my academic abilities and not be afraid to ask for help when I need it.”

Academic Success Coaching student, Fall 2024

Penn State Chaiken Center for Student Success

325 Boucke Building, 325 Pollock Road, University Park, PA 16802
814-865-6101 | Email Us

Drop-in to the Center M-F 9 to 4

Schedule with our team

Schedule with a Peer Coach

What is Academic Success Coaching?

Academic Success Coaching is a personalized, one-on-one support service designed to help you thrive in college. Whether you're navigating a tough semester or just want to build stronger habits, coaching gives you a space to pause, reflect, and create a game plan that works for you.

You’ll meet with a trained professional who will listen without judgment, help you problem-solve, and support your growth — no matter where you're starting from. First-year students will also have the opportunity to meet with a Peer Success Coach.

Topics We Can Explore

Every student’s goals are different, and we’ll tailor each session to what you need most. Common themes focus on developing essential college success skills including:

  • Managing your time and staying organized
  • Strengthening your study strategies
  • Getting motivated and beating procrastination
  • Setting goals and actually following through
  • Juggling classes, work, and life without burning out
  • Connecting to campus resources and support

Not sure what you need? That’s okay—your coach can help you figure that out too.

What to Expect in a Session

Coaching sessions are conversations, not lectures, and you drive the agenda. Here’s what typically happens:

  • Check-in:  What’s going well? What’s been challenging?
  • Topic:  Together, we’ll explore a key area you want to work on.
  • Self-Reflection:  Through powerful questions, you’ll be challenged to reflect on your current systems, habits, and values.
  • Action Plan:  You’ll leave with strategies, next steps, or just more clarity.

Sessions are usually an hour and are completely personalized. You set the goals – your coach helps get you there.

Meet the Coaches

Every Academic Success 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), Office of Veterans Programs, Penn State Chaiken Center, Penn State Learning, Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center, Student Care and Advocacy, and Student Disability Resources.

Group Coaching & Workshops

Want to stay motivated with the support of others? Our group coaching and workshop series gives you a chance to build skills, reflect on your goals, and stay accountable—together.

Upcoming opportunities include:

  • Accountability Hours to stay focused
  • Workshops on topics like time management and study strategies

Schedule an Academic Coaching Consultation

“I have learned to gain more confidence in myself and my academic abilities and not be afraid to ask for help.”

Academic Success Coaching student, Fall 2024