Academic Coaches play a pivotal role in supporting the academic success of their fellow Ohio State students as a part of the Dennis Learning Center (DLC) team. Academic Coaches help students develop effective strategies related to learning, studying, test-taking, reading, note-taking, self-confidence, procrastination, motivation, time management, and resilience. Academic Coaches must be enrolled undergraduate students at Columbus campus.
How to Become a Coach
Take our coach training course (EDUCST 5194).
Students who complete this course will be eligible for a paid student employee position as an Academic Coach at the Dennis Learning Center.
We welcome students from all majors, years, and backgrounds!
Position Description
DLC Academic Coaches are enrolled undergraduate student employees (position is NOT open to enrolled graduate students). Academic Coaches work with students one-on-one and in small groups to discuss academic concerns and develop strategies to promote academic success. Additionally, Academic Coaches facilitate workshops (online and in-person) for groups of 10-100 students on a variety of topics that support academic success. Other responsibilities include representing the DLC at campus resource fairs, updating and creating online resources, managing DLC social media accounts, creating videos and articles related to DLC content, and assisting with special projects furthering the DLC mission. Academic Coaches receive training in all aspects of the position. Academic Coaches are expected to work an average of 10-15 hours per week, although hours worked per week vary based upon employees’ availability and the demand for services. Most work is completed during business hours but may include some pre-scheduled evening and weekend hours.
Responsibilities of an Academic Coach
- Recommending personalized learning and motivation strategies to students in one-on-one coaching appointments (online or in-person)
- Using academic coaching techniques to establish rapport, support growth, and encourage behavior change during one-on-one coaching appointments
- Providing ongoing assistance to students through follow-up appointments and emails
- Recording appointment notes in online database
- Maintaining confidentiality of the content of coaching appointments to protect students’ privacy
- Referring students to relevant campus resources
- Preparing for and rehearsing workshop presentations
- Facilitating workshops (online or in-person) for a variety of student groups
- Creating and updating online resources on the DLC website
- Creating awareness of DLC services to students through outreach such as campus resource fairs
- Collaborating with coaching team on a variety of project assignments that further the DLC mission
- Communicating with the coaching team frequently via email and Microsoft Teams to discuss coaching, workshops, scheduling, and DLC projects
- Using online calendar and scheduling tools (e.g., Outlook, OnCourse) to schedule team meetings, coaching appointments, and workshops
- Creating and hosting meetings virtually via CarmenZoom
- Meeting with coaching team and coaching supervisor regularly for updates, training, and feedback
- Working independently and conscientiously with minimal supervision to support students and represent the DLC in a professional manner
- Maintain a weekly work schedule at a variety of locations across Columbus campus as well as online
Qualifications
- REQUIRED:
- Successful completion of EDUCST 5194 (Theories and Methods in Academic Coaching)
- Eagerness to develop coaching and presentation skills
- Reasonably predictable and open schedule to allow for scheduling of meetings and workshops at various times during business hours
- Ability to provide academic support to undergraduate students individually and in groups
- DESIRED:
- Understanding of and personal commitment to learning and motivation concepts and strategies
- Maturity and self-confidence
- Experience with public speaking/teaching to large groups (10-100 people) both in-person and virtually
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills
- High emotional intelligence and ability to empathize
- Experience with academic struggles and demonstration of resilience
- Strong performance in DLC course, if taken (ESEPSY 1159, 1259, 1359, 2059, 2060, EDUCST 1500, 5194)
Compensation
- Beginning Academic Coaches are paid at a rate of $13.00 per hour.
- Academic Coaches who return to work at the DLC in succeeding years may receive an increase in their hourly rate.
Questions?
If you have any questions about this position, please contact DLC Manager, Jackie von Spiegel (dlc@osu.edu).