Frequently Asked Questions
Academic Coaches can help you define and work toward personal goals related to your overall academic success. Popular coaching topics include studying and learning strategies, time management, overcoming procrastination, test-taking skills, note-taking skills, active reading strategies, and managing online courses. Academic Coaches cannot help with graded work before it is graded without written permission from your instructor.
Professional Academic Coaches are full-time staff members who work one-on-one with Hokies to support academic growth. Much like a personal trainer, your coach will help you identify strengths, address challenges, and tailor strategies to meet your individual goals.
Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) are trained students who understand the challenges of college life firsthand. They’re a great resource for navigating campus, finding support services, and adjusting to academic expectations. See a Peer coach through scheduled appointments or by attending our Seminar Series on Academic Success.
Academic coaches do not replace your departmental or college academic advisor. Instead, they complement your academic experience by helping you to develop the skills and strategies needed to thrive academically.
Your Academic Coach will ask what you want to get out of coaching and explain how they can help. Then you’ll get to work. Be ready to participate! Our Academic Coaching team are not here to lecture or judge. They offer fresh perspectives and activities to help you find the strategy that works best for you.
All students have different situations and goals, so there’s no guaranteed outcome for coaching. However, if you truly commit to developing your academic success skills, you will:
- Think about your current learning strategies and habits
- Understand what changes you can make to improve your grades
- Have specific strategies to use now and in your future classes
- Become a more efficient learner by studying smarter, not just harder