Success Coaches partner one-on-one with first-year students to help them develop the skills they need to thrive—both in and out of the classroom. Their primary goal is to connect with, engage, and empower students to succeed throughout their undergraduate journey.
Students are encouraged to meet with their Success Coach regularly, with the frequency of meetings tailored to each student’s unique needs. In addition to providing personalized support, Success Coaches also help connect students with campus resources and opportunities to get involved in the ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø community.
Success Coaches support students through their first year at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø.
First-year students entering ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø directly from high school are automatically assigned a Success Coach — with one exception: students participating in a Specialized Program.
Why the exception? Specialized Programs already offer dedicated, individualized support and retention services, making a separate Success Coach unnecessary. These programs include EOP, ACE Scholars, TRIO SSS, CAMP, and Global Education.
Students who regularly meet with their Success Coach are more likely to continue into their second year at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø. In fact, students who engage with our office tend to have higher GPAs and are less likely to be placed on Academic Notice.
1. Personalized Support:
Success Coaches provide one-on-one guidance tailored to your academic, personal, and
professional goals. They help you create a plan that works for you.
2. Smooth Transition:
Adjusting to college life can be overwhelming. Coaches help you navigate the transition
from high school by building time management, study, and self-advocacy skills.
3. Connection to Campus Resources:
Not sure where to go for tutoring, financial aid, mental health support, or student
clubs? Your coach knows the resources and will connect you to the right place.
4. Academic Success:
Students who meet regularly with their Success Coach tend to earn higher GPAs and
are less likely to fall into academic difficulty.
5. Accountability & Encouragement:
Your coach is your champion — checking in on your progress, celebrating your wins,
and helping you stay motivated when challenges arise.
6. A Trusted Relationship:
College is about more than just classes. Your Success Coach is someone you can trust,
talk to, and grow with throughout your first year.
We’re excited to support you on your journey at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø! Once you’ve accepted your Intent to Enroll, you’ll begin receiving important communications from our office. Initially, we’ll reach out via your personal email and the cell phone number you have on file through CougarBot text messages.
Starting in August, all official communication will be sent to your ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø email address, so be sure to check it regularly.
Already accepted your Intent to Enroll? Great! You can start meeting with us now — we’re here to help!
Meetings generally range from 15-45 minutes. However, Success Coaches will adapt based on the individual student’s needs and questions.
The initial meeting can last up to 45 minutes as you and your Success Coach get to know each other.
Fall 2025 First-Year Students can find out who their assigned Success Coach is by visiting our Meet the Team page. Coaches are assigned based on students' last names.
Last Names by Coach:
| A - Camo | |
| Camp - Evan | |
| Evar - Hernandez | |
| Hernandez - Luhn | |
| Luis - O'Brien | |
| O'Bryan - Roth | |
| Rowa - Vallejo | |
| Vallejo-Bautista - Z |
We encourage you to connect with your Success Coach by scheduling a meeting through Microsoft Bookings or reaching out to them directly via email or phone.
Whatever’s on your mind, your Success Coach is here to support you every step of the way.
Meetings are individualized and based on student needs and personal goals. Some topics you can discuss with your Success Coach include adjusting to college life, getting involved on campus, goal setting, time management and study strategies, finding and using campus resources, building a support network, problem solving, and academic planning (course enrollment).
Due to FERPA regulations, Success Coaches are not permitted to share information discussed in success coaching sessions with parents. If you want your parents to be involved, you will need to let us know directly. We will need to get permission to speak with your parents in writing from you.
Success Coaches are full-time professional staff at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø, committed to helping first-year students thrive and reach their full potential. Visit our website to meet the team, explore individual Success Coach profiles, and find out who your assigned coach is.
We get this question a lot—and it’s a great one!
At ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø, Success Coaches and Academic Advisors are both here to support you, but we serve different roles to help you thrive at different stages of your college journey.
Success Coaches: Your Go-To Support in Year One
Success Coaches are your first point of contact during your first year at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø. Think of us as your campus guide—we know a little bit about everything and can help you navigate all kinds of university resources.
We’re here to help you:
You’ll work with your assigned Success Coach throughout your entire first year. We’re a one-stop shop to help you build a strong foundation and transition confidently
into college life.
Academic Advising: Your Partner Through Graduation
Once you’ve gotten your footing, your Academic Advisor will become your go-to guide for all things related to your degree path—from your second year through graduation.
Academic Advisors help with:
Academic Advisors support students throughout their entire academic journey at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø—from admission to graduation.
The Office of Success Coaching requires at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule appointments. This helps to ensure other students are able to meet with their Success Coach in a timely manner.
