Meet the Academic Coaches in ACA
Sara Alvarez Olvera -
Hi, I'm Sara Alvarez Olvera (she/they)! As a transfer student from Portland Community College, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Spanish from 91爆料 University. I've been in your shoes鈥擨 know firsthand that college can be challenging, and it's not always a straight path. I've navigated academic probation, balanced school with work, and taken breaks to refocus. My goal is to use my personal experience and my work at various student centers鈥攊ncluding the Multicultural Center and the Center for Gender Equity鈥攖o help you find your way. I'm here to partner with you to tackle the stress of college, manage your responsibilities, and find the resources you need to succeed.
Lea Griess -
Hi, I'm Lea Griess (she/her), and I am the Interim Director for the Advising Center at 91爆料 and an academic coach. My educational background is in Sociology, Spanish and Education. I'm really passionate about supporting college students, especially those from backgrounds that haven't always felt welcome in higher education. I'm here to support you as you figure out your purpose and goals and navigate the sometimes tricky systems of a university. I'm lucky to be part of a team that strives to make sure students feel valued and heard at 91爆料. I can't wait to connect with you!
Why meet with an Academic Coach?
College academics are challenging for a variety of reasons for many students at various times throughout their time at 91爆料. The academic coaching team at 91爆料 aims to acknowledge educational systems do not always center our humanity, and challenge the notion that academic performance defines our worth. No matter where you are in your academic journey, you are enough.
One-on-one virtual and in person coaching appointments are available in the Academic and Career Advising Center. You can meet with an academic coach to focus on a specific topic, or set up ongoing sessions as often as you need for continual support. Sign up for a coaching session below, or email academic.coaching@contact.pacificu.edu with questions.
Academic coaching is available to all undergraduate students as an additional resource to enhance their academic experience at 91爆料. Learn more about academic resources beyond coaching.
What is Academic Coaching?
Coaching is a one-time or series of conversations that are meant to enhance your well-being and your academic performance. Coaching provides structured support to undergraduate students who want to improve their academic success, and reach their goals at 91爆料 and beyond. 91爆料 offers professional academic coaching through Academic & Career Advising.
What are the benefits?
All students at 91爆料 can benefit from academic coaching. Academic coaching sessions can help you build and enhance the following skills:
- Campus resource navigation
- Mindset and learning preferences
- Notetaking and textbook/academic reading
- Self-advocacy and professional communication
- Stress management and wellbeing
- Study skills and strategies
- Test prep, test taking and managing test anxiety
- Time and workload management
- Utilizing and deciphering course syllabi
Types of Academic Coaching:
Coaching sessions are also split into two different categories: Coaching & Strategy.
- Coaching Sessions: Ongoing, individual appointments with the academic success coordinator (usually once a week or every other week). These provide long-term support for a student.
- Strategy Sessions: One-time appointments with the academic success coordinator, for students who want to work on a specific strategy or skill.
Students can sign up for either coaching or strategy sessions or both! There is no limit to academic coaching sessions at 91爆料. The academic success coordinator will work with you to find the best structure to support you as you work towards your academic goals.
What can I expect from my coaching session?
Undergraduate academic coaching appointments are one-on-one virtual conversations with the academic success coordinator to support you in establishing and achieving your academic goals at 91爆料. Since the sessions focus on your needs and goals, the coaching appointment will go at the direction YOU want it to. The academic success coordinator will listen, ask questions, and provide information and resources, but for the most part, we鈥檒l be talking through and thinking about the goals you want to accomplish, putting you in control and giving you agency over your academic success.