Academic Success Coaching

Build skills. Stay on track. Reach your goals.

Whether college feels tougher than expected or you're just ready to level up, Academic Success Coaching can help. We’ll work with you to strengthen essential skills like time management, motivation, and follow-through so you can feel more confident navigating college life.

You’ll meet one-on-one with a trained coach who will help you set goals, manage your time, and build strategies that work for you. Whether you’re bouncing back or moving forward, we’re here to support your success every step of the way.

Collage of students studying

“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 10 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.

What You Can Work On

Every student’s goals are different, and we’ll tailor each session to what you need most. Common focus areas include the nine essential college success skills:   

  • Time Management & Organization: Build better routines, meet deadlines, and stay on track.
  • Academic Skills: Strengthen study habits, sharpen note-taking skills, and apply learning strategies for success in college-level classes.
  • Goal Setting & Follow-Through: Set meaningful goals and actually make progress.
  • Motivation & Procrastination: Find your drive, get started on tasks, and stay focused.
  • Balancing Life & Academics: Juggle your classes, work, and personal life without burning out.
  • Resource Navigation: Identify how and when to ask for help and where to go to find it.
  • Confidence & Mindset: Tackle perfectionism, boost your confidence, and lean into your strengths.
  • Community & Belonging: Form meaningful connections and engage with your people.
  • Personal Growth & Self Discovery: Explore your values, strengths, and passions to better understand yourself and your goals.

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 10 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, and Student Disability Resources.

Group Coaching & Workshops

Looking to bring Academic Success Coaching to your class, organization, or event? Our team offers interactive workshops that help students build the skills they need to thrive in college.

Workshop topics include:

  • Overview of Services – Learn about how our office supports student success (can be added to any workshop).

  • Time Management – Build a block schedule and take control of your time.

  • Goal Setting for Your Future Self – Visualize where you want to be and set goals to get there.

  • Start Strong: New Semester, New Strategy – Plan your semester by mapping assignments and deadlines.

Workshops can be delivered in person or online. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee a presentation; sessions are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis depending on staff and Peer Success Coach availability. Please submit requests two weeks ahead of the date you need.

Request a workshop here: Group Coaching & Workshop Request Form

“[Academic Success Coaching] made me feel seen as an individual and not just a Penn State student.”

Academic Success Coaching student, Fall 2024