What is Academic Coaching?
Although similar, conversations with an Academic Advisor may revolve around curriculum planning and promotion towards the degree completion progress, while Academic Success Coaches dive deeper to the "in-between" elements of higher education, such as: motivation, accountability, exploring options and providing individualized student support. As stated by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), "Academic Coaching is an advising approach that pushes the student to reflect and act on the range of goals, interests, and passions available in higher education."
What to expect in an Academic Coaching Session?
Academic success coaching sessions are meant for students to become aware of their academic situation and allow students to think critically of support plans to become academically successful. With the guidance of an academic success coach, topics may range from the following items, but are not limited to:
- Effective Time & Life Management
- Transition & Acclimation to University Life
- Connection to Campus Resources
- Explain Low GPA and its Consequences
- How to Avoid Academic Probation and Academic Dismissal
- How to recover from Subject to Academic Dismissal or Academic Probation Standing
- How to transition back to UC Merced when returning from an Educational Leave or being reinstated at the University.
How to prepare for an Academic Coaching session:
- Be prepared to talk about obstacles that are impeding your academic success
- Be able to identify patterns and areas of insufficiency/success
- Be willing to share ideas to build on options for academic success
- Be ready to become accountable for your actions and goals
Who are Academic Coaches?
Academic coaches work with students to help them bring out their academic best. Through one-on-one sessions, accountability awareness and strategic planning, academic coaches introduce students to techniques for managing time, studying effectively, building better habits, and much more.
Expectations of Students
It is expected that all UCM students adhere to all UC policies and procedures during their academic career on campus. It is expected that the student has the responsibility to reach out to all necessary individuals to include Professors, Tutors, Teaching Assistants, Peer Mentors, Academic Advisors, etc., in helping to maintain a successful academic career.
It is expected that all communications are performed via our UC Merced email system as the primary means of contact.
UC Merced Email Notification Policy
UC Merced Policy on the Use of Email for Official Communications with Students establishes email as a method for official communications from UC Merced to graduate, professional, and undergraduate students. School of Natural Sciences uses email as an official means to communicate with students on many important matters. Email is often the only way many of the important information is distributed. Please check your UC Merced email regularly. All students are responsible for knowing, and when relevant, acting on all contents we send you via email.
