Frequently Asked Questions
The Academic Life Coaching program at The University of Oklahoma is an innovative mentoring approach designed to provide individualized student support.
The program provides a specially trained coaching mentor who meets regularly with their students throughout the semester. In those sessions, the student and the Academic Life Coach work together to identify stressors and establish goals that lead to academic success and degree completion.
Each Coach has undergone extensive training, which is accredited through the International Coach Federation.
Academic Life Coaching is available to students enrolled at the University of Oklahoma Norman Campus. Coaching requests are honored on a first come first served basis.
The first step is to complete the coaching request form by clicking here.
Once the form is submitted, your request will be evaluated and you will be matched with a Coach who will contact you to schedule your first coaching session.
The team of OU Academic Life Coaches is comprised of experienced faculty and staff professionals employed at The University of Oklahoma Norman campus. Our Coaches are deeply committed to supporting student success. Each Coach has undergone extensive training, which is accredited through the International Coach Federation.
Meet our Freshman Sooner Success Academic Life Coaches.
Meet our Sophomore, Junior, and Senior student Academic Life Coaches.
Each Academic Life Coach at the University of Oklahoma has undergone an extensive six-month certification training program, that has been specifically designed for our OU student community. Our training program is accredited through the International Coach Federation.
Academic Life Coaching is a support program that has been shown to decrease the common stressors of college life and increase the commitment to graduation.
Through the coaching process, students develop greater self-awareness and personal skills that produce measurable results. At each meeting, the Coach explores the student's immediate goals and their long-term outcomes. The role of the Coach is to listen, guide, and serve as an accountability partner.
Students can talk to their Coach about a variety of issues that are affecting their path to success. During coaching sessions, students are asked powerful questions that invite personal reflection. Coaching allows renewed focus and promotes internal motivation.
The core of our Academic Life Coaching "Coaching to Complete" model includes the following Persistence Themes:
STUDY SYSTEMS- Students will understand their unique learning preferences, identify resources that enhance study strategies, and commit to a system of optimal academic performance.
MAJOR TO CAREER DESIGN- Students will be able to articulate their values and interests that lay a foundation for academic success, while making informed decisions about their major, and establish objectives that align with career goals.
HEALTH AND RESILIENCY- Students will be able to build systems that strengthen their overall health and wellness, while learning how to enhance their mental and physical self, and overcome challenges through resilience.
FINANCIAL CONFIDENCE- Students will take ownership of the financial responsibilities associated with college attendance, identify financial resources, and appreciate the lifelong benefits of degree completion.
SUPPORT NETWORKS- Students will understand the value of a positive support network, develop trusted relationships, and explore campus organizations that strengthen their commitment to success.
COMPETING RESPONSIBILITIES- Students will learn how to develop an effective time management system, prioritize both academic and non-academic commitments, and balance those demands to reflect their values and priorities.
MOTIVATION AND ACHIEVEMENT- Students will learn how to identify personal motivators and facilitate strategies to meet their goals and objectives.
SENSE OF BELONGING- Students will be able to recognize the personal and social identities that comprise their individuality, develop relationships that deepen their sense of belonging, and manage the transitions associated with a new campus culture.
Yes! Academic Life Coaching is FREE to all currently enrolled students. If you would like to request a coach, please click here to access the ALC Coach Request Form.
Coaching sessions are typically 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Your coaching schedule will be established during your first session and the frequency is up to the student.
Generally students will meet with their coach once every two to three weeks. Your coaching schedule will be established during your first session.
Coaching sessions are typically held on Zoom.
Academic Life Coaching and counseling are not the same.
Coaching helps students determine and achieve goals by asking powerful questions that offer clarity and self-discovery. The coaching relationship is focused on the future and allows the student to self-identify solutions to overcome the obstacles that are blocking goal achievement.
Counseling is focused on emotional or psychological challenges and helps recognize issues such as depression and other mental health disorders. If you feel you would like to schedule an appointment with a counselor, please click here for more information about the services provided at the University of Oklahoma Counseling Center.
While many of our Academic Advisors are trained Academic Life Coaches, the meetings serve different purposes. Academic advising appointments offer support in designing, developing, and implementing individual academic plans that meet degree requirements.
Academic Life Coaches is a mentoring approach designed to provide individualized support with a variety of issues that impact college life.
The program provides a specially trained coaching mentor who meets regularly with their students throughout the semester. In these sessions, the student and the Academic Life Coach work together to identify stressors and establish goals that lead to academic success and degree completion.
Each Coach has undergone extensive training, which is accredited through the International Coach Federation.
The University of Oklahoma
Academic Life Coaching
308 Cate Center Drive, Suite 418
Norman, Oklahoma 73071
Email: OUALC@ou.edu
As our Academic Life Coaching program keeps growing, we are continuously seeking OU faculty and staff who are dedicated to supporting student achievement.
If you are interested in joining the OU Academic Life Coach coalition, please email OUALC@ou.edu.
