Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I get academic coaching? Where? When? 
  Come visit us during our open hours (listed above). We are located in the Learning Commons on the first floor of the Consortium Library. Look for the Academic Coaching sign! If you need a remote option, fill out an appointment request on Navigate (COMING SOON!). You do not need an appointment to visit us in person.
• Who are the Academic Coaches?
  • Madison
  • Bhargavi
  • Danial
  • Julia

  Madison Bratcher | Psychology major, minor in Neuroscience
  
  Why did you want to be an academic coach?
  Becoming an academic coach just felt right for me. I've always loved helping people reach their full potential, especially when it comes to understanding tricky subjects and mastering their studies. It's all about that satisfaction of seeing someone light up when they finally grasp something they've been struggling with. I want to bring that same excitement to coaching, helping students find their groove, perfect their study routines, and achieve their academic goals. It's not just about grades—it's about helping people grow and realize their capabilities.

  What is your favorite spot to study on campus?
  The Consortium Library! Spent every morning there last semester!

  Bhargavi Pochi | Pre-Med major

  Why did you want to be an academic coach?

  I wanted to become an academic coach because I struggled in academia my whole life, despite growing up with a lot of support and encouragement. Only when I got much older did I start to get a grasp on study skills, time management, prioritizing, academic confidence, etc. Struggling as much as I did in school with all that I had, made me realize how much harder it must be for those who lack the guidance, skills, self-esteem and resources to succeed in college. Based on my personal experiences, I know I can use the habits I developed throughout the years to help others looking to reach their goals!

   

  What do I love about UAA?

  My favorite thing about UAA is how accessible it makes college education. The tuition, staff and faculty, and growing amount of student resources are far more accessible than in other larger schools. In a state like Alaska where there is often a lag and scarcity in many things, especially education, UAA works diligently to fill that gap.

  Danial Dhillon | Engineering major
  more soon!

  Julia Szerszenski | Geological Sciences major, minor in Mathematics
  
  

  Why did you want to be an academic coach?
  I wanted to help people adjust to the non-academic side of college. Learning how to organize your time or study effectively is just as difficult as the material in your classes, if not more so.
  
  

  What is your favorite spot to study on campus?
  The Kaladi Brothers in SSB or the atrium in CPSB! I like getting drinks to study, and on a sunny day, the windows in CPSB make the whole place so peaceful.

   

• What is Academic Coaching?
  An Academic Coach (AC) is a current student who helps their peers develop skills, behaviors and habits to help them succeed in college. Things like procrastination, time management, test taking anxiety or trouble navigating technology are things that almost all students experience at one point in their college career. An AC can help you identify difficulties and examine your academic habits in order to work with you to develop stronger skills through reflection and practice.
• What can an Academic Coach help me with?

  Academic Coaches are great supports for all sorts of academic behavior and skills-building. An Academic Coach could help you with:

  • Overcoming test anxiety
  • Building note-taking and study skills
  • Getting past procrastination
  • Setting achievable goals
  • Developing a homework or study schedule
  • Creating and prioritizing a to-do list
  • Navigating online platforms like Google Docs, UAOnline, Blackboard or others
  • How to talk to your professor, stay organized, manage your time, balance work/school/family responsibilities and thrive in college!
• What happens during my visit?
  When students come to a coaching appointment, they will meet one-on-one with a peer academic coach. Together with the coach, the student will assess their strengths and areas of growth related to the topic at hand and discuss and experiment with new strategies that may serve them better. Most sessions last 30-minutes, but students are encouraged to return and stay consistent to really level-up their academic skills and work through new and emerging difficulties they face throughout the semester, year and college experience.
• What if I'm not sure what I want to talk to the Academic Coach about?
  No problem! You can meet with an Academic Coach whether or not you know exactly what you want to discuss. Since Academic Coaches are trained and experienced in many topic areas they can help you pick a topic, skill or habit to start with through a quick conversation with you.
• What should I bring to my appointment or drop-in visit?
  Bring an open-mind! You may be surprised by the simplicity of some of the tips and tricks Academic Coaches have up their sleeves. With consistency and practice, you can build new skills and habits that will help you thrive in college. We are here to help you at every step. And remember, if one tip didn’t work for you - come back for more! What works for you might be something different and we are ready to help you figure out a new strategy.

Becoming an Academic Coach

Think you have what it takes to be a great Academic Coach? We would love to talk to you! This is a new (returning) program at UAA and we are looking for new team members. Please apply right away on the UA Careers webpage. Pay starts at $17/hr and Academic Coaches must work at least 10 hours per week.