University life coaching provides students the time to review all aspects of university life with a trusted and consistent coach who cultivates holistic wellbeing inside and outside the classroom.
Universities provide advisement in several ways:
one on one with administrative or faculty advisors
group advising
upperclassmen advisors
online resources
One on one advising has benefits beyond group or student advising, and far beyond the use of online resources. Faculty advisors can be wonderful resources, especially if the student is interested in that advisor’s academic field and the faculty advisor has the time for and interest in advising. That said, some faculty prefer to focus on research, tenure, or publishing, and provide only perfunctory guidance.
Due to high caseloads, university advisers may answer students’ questions without taking the time to uncover the real underlying issues and leave the real problems unresolved. Even at universities which devote resources to advising, and create space for smaller student to advisor ratios, advisor departures, sabbaticals, and personality fits will always impact the success of advisement, and in turn the success of the student.
Another concern is advisement timing. Most advising takes place around course registration which lasts a few weeks in the middle of each semester. This is peak advising time when all students want and need to meet with their advisors. At peak advising times, advisors need to focus on academics to ensure their ability to meet with all advisees prior to the end of advance registration.
Focusing solely on academics may not fulfill all needs or facilitate the mindset for a well-rounded university experience. Students manage athletics, performing arts, employment, club commitments, and any number of life issues in addition to their academics.
University life coaching considers the realities of students’ lives throughout each semester, throughout each phase of university life, and supports students toward achieving both personal and academic goals.
