Academic Coaching

We believe college is a time for students to develop independence and autonomy, and to forge relationships that foster both. Academic coaching at Endicott begins in care, is rooted in partnership, and is strengthened through our commitment to learning in community. Students are seen as individuals, and we deliberately match each one with a coach we believe is in the best position to support that student’s academic development. Coaches work from a growth mindset, leaning into a student’s strengths to empower them to develop their unique way forward and learn to define success in their own way. The goal of academic coaching is not to master content, complete work, or improve grades. We neither monitor nor manage students. Instead, we work with them to develop the academic skills and strategies necessary to find success both at Endicott and in their lives after college.

Coaches help students build these ten competencies:

1. Building confidence, grit, and resilience
2. Building academic self-awareness
3. Developing critical thinking and deep learning skills
4. Developing organization: systems and strategies
5. Developing time management: systems and strategies
6. Engaging in academic dialogue
7. Improving communication with peers and professionals
8. Proactively identifying and accessing resources
9. Setting, reviewing, and adjusting goals
10. Understanding the expectations of professors and other staff members

Framework

Each coach works within a framework that blends the credentialing program offered by the National Tutoring Association with our own professional development sequence. Our focus is on student growth and development. Coaches neither monitor nor manage students. They support students to become more self-aware and independent learners.

Training and professional development

The Center offers its coaches 12 distinct training opportunities each academic year, including two required three-hour long professional development seminars. In addition, coaches are encouraged to attend professional development sessions or seminars offered by the College.

What happens in a typical session?

Students and coaches decide together what a session’s focus will be. Most coaches and students review information provided by the learning management system; address the calendar; set and adjust schedules for papers, projects, and tasks; determine barriers or impediments to success; celebrate success; and identify resources that support progress.

Communication

All communication from either parents or faculty and staff members about students goes through the Director of the Center for Academic Coaching. This practice supports the integrity of the relationship between each student and coach.

Coaching outside the cubicle

Our commitment to student growth and development extends beyond the coaching space. Our Center offers incoming students the opportunity to connect with returning students who have assumed leadership roles to support their peers. We also sponsor social events to promote peer and professional connection.

Arranging meeting times

Students and coaches decide together what the optimal meeting time will be. Coaches strive for consistency, often booking students at the same time on different days. For example, students meeting with a coach for two hours per week will meet at 2pm on Mondays and Wednesdays or 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We prioritize in-person meetings, although arrangements can be made to meet remotely. Most students meet their coaches between 8am and 5pm.

The Director and Assistant Director are available between 9am and 5pm Monday through Friday.

Fees

The cost of the Center for Academic Coaching is $1,750 for the semester for two coaching sessions per week. The fee is prorated if a student chooses to participate two weeks after the semester has begun. A third session each week is available for an additional $875. A single weekly session is available for a fee of $875. Single weekly sessions are not available to first-semester first-year students.

Note/Disclosure

If a student attends the first scheduled session of the semester, the agreement is considered binding. If a student does not connect with their coach by the end of the first two weeks of the semester, the student will be dismissed from coaching and the fee returned. At the end of each semester, the agreement remains in effect unless we are notified by either the student or parent/guardian that a student no longer wishes to participate. Without prior notification students will remain enrolled, and the Bursar’s Office will issue a bill.

To enroll, log in using your Endicott email and password. (This link will redirect you to the Etrieve record management system.)