Get Help at Academic Coaching
When we think of coaching, we usually think of sports, but coaches can help you succeed at academics as well. Transitioning to academic rigor at PVCC from either high school or work can be a struggle. Coaching can be the real difference. Dr. Todd Parks, professor, director of academic support services and first-year programs, says in an email, “Academic coaching facilitates goal attainment.”
Students usually juggle many obligations, family, work, and academics. Ruth Yoder, a coach and PVCC alumna says, “Balancing work, family, and school is part of why we are here, to help students figure it out.” James Bryant, another coach agrees, “Academic coaching can help students learn to manage their time and other responsibilities to be successful at PVCC.”
Students can schedule academic coaching sessions throughout the semester and now, you can even do online coaching. Online learning is very different than in-person classes. New time management skills are needed and coping with a new normal can be a challenge. You can learn more about online coaching or you can sign up to meet with an academic coach to help you navigate online learning. Each session is one-on-one, runs 30-50 minutes, and it is recommended to schedule one per week for a whole semester to get full benefit. The first session focuses on what you want to accomplish at PVCC and beyond. The following sessions typically focus on time management, your coach will help you create a calendar of all your responsibilities. The calendar building is an important step to fully understanding all that you spend your time on and how to get your work done.
Once students have a handle on time management, coaching moves to more specific skill building. Skills include note taking, reading, memory techniques, prioritizing, managing stress, personal finance, and test taking. Bryant comments, “Coaching can be very creative, each student comes with different challenges and we can customize our sessions.”
Because the sessions last all semester, the relationship between the coach and student can be very rewarding. Yoder says, “Coaching is ongoing. We establish a relationship and get to know our students and their goals. I like to see them grow and gain confidence, it is very rewarding to see them succeed.”
If students cannot schedule sessions, there are 14 online workshops that cover a variety of topics like “What it takes to be a successful student,” and “How to overcome math anxiety.” If that is not convenient, there are also in-person workshops. Check out the calendar https://www.pvcc.edu/academic-coaching for more information.
According to the PVCC website, “PVCC serves the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson.” Students come from a variety of places, and everyone has different challenges, but whatever they are, academic coaches can help. It is clear that PVCC wants every student to achieve success. If you have questions, contact Todd Parks gparks@pvcc.edu or call, 434-961-5499.
