Undergraduate 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 team. In group workshops and one-on-one appointments, peer Academic Coaches help students develop effective strategies related to learning, studying, test-taking, reading, note-taking, self-confidence, procrastination, motivation, time-management, and resilience.
Position Description
DLC 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 for both small and large groups of students (online and in-person) on a variety of topics that support academic success. Other responsibilities include representing the Dennis Learning Center at campus resource fairs, updating and creating online resources, managing DLC social media accounts, and assisting with special projects by request. Academic Coaches receive training in all aspects of the position. Academic Coaches are expected to work an average of 10 – 20 hours per week, although the amount of hours worked per week varies based upon employees’ availability and the demand for services.
Responsibilities of an Academic Coach
- Recommending personalized learning and/or motivation strategies to students in one-on-one appointments, online on Zoom or in-person
- Providing ongoing assistance to students through appointments and email
- Recording appointment notes in database
- Referring students to other relevant campus resources
- Preparing for and rehearsing workshops
- Facilitating workshops for a variety of student groups, online on Zoom or in-person
- Creating and updating online resources to provide information to visitors to DLC website
- Representing the Dennis Learning Center at campus resource fairs
- Using online calendar and scheduling website to accurately reflect available/booked time
- Meeting with coaching team and coaching supervisor regularly for updates and feedback
- Checking email and other task management systems for coaching and DLC project assignments
Desired Qualifications
- Understanding of and personal commitment to learning and motivation concepts and strategies
- Ability to provide academic support to undergraduate students individually and in groups
- Maturity and self-confidence
- Comfort and/or experience with public speaking
- 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, 5194)
Hiring Process
- Interested undergraduate students apply to be a Academic Coach in late Autumn semester.
- Following the online application, selected applicants are invited to interview in November.
- After interviews, applicants may be offered a position as an Academic Coach to start in spring semester.
- If offered a position, new coaches may be asked to complete a background check and other HR paperwork.
- During winter break and the first few weeks of spring semester, new Academic Coaches complete online training and readings to sharpen their understanding of learning and motivation strategies, coaching skills, and presentation skills.
- Newly hired Academic Coaches will officially start the position at the start of spring semester.
Compensation
- Beginning Academic Coaches are paid at a rate of $10.00 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 application or the position, please contact DLC Program Manager, Jackie von Spiegel (dlc@osu.edu).