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Academic Coaching

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Academic Coaching Defined:

Academic coaching is a personalized approach to develop and strengthen the academic skills needed for students to have success in their chosen degree of study. Through 1:1 sessions, our academic coaches motivate students to establish goals and define action steps to meet them. The underpinning of our coaching plan is to assist students in managing their time holistically, finding balance in their personal and academic experiences. In utilizing this resource, students will gain understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and value resources to support their success.

Coaching services begin on Monday, September 9, 2024.

How to Schedule an Appointment: 

  1. Complete the inquiry form

  2. Schedule an appointment with an academic coach; the inquiry form must be submitted in order for your appointment to be confirmed

Meet Our Coaches:

  • Amanda Addesso
    • Amanda is in her first year with the Center for Academic Success at Lehigh University, where she serves as the Learning and Study Skills Coordinator and is pursuing a Master’s in Secondary Education and Pennsylvania 7-12 Certification in Social Studies at Lehigh’s College of Education. Amanda is eager to collaborate with the Lehigh community, guiding students in developing lifelong time management and study skills that contribute to their holistic success.

To schedule an appointment with Amanda, click here. 

  • Karen Charleston
    • Karen works in the Office of Academic Transitions and is in her second year of the Mental Health Counseling program. She enjoys reading, traveling, dancing, learning/trying new things, and playing with her two doggies. Karen is passionate about empowering others and believes that everyone has the capacity to grow. She looks forward to meeting with students to address their individual needs and help build confidence in their academic journeys. 

To schedule an appointment with Karen, click here. 

  • Alli Kimmel (Peer Academic Coach)
    • Alli is a senior with a major in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Psychology, and she is new to the peer academic coaching program! She worked through the Center of Academic Success as a Group Tutor for CHM 030 during the last four semesters and is also an Apprentice Teacher for Dr. Jessecae Marsh’s Cognitive Psychology course. Alli is active on campus through undergraduate research, while being the Recruitment/Participant Relations Chair of Hawkathon and a peer educator in Break the Silence. She is excited to be a Peer Academic Coach, as she is looking forward to integrating her past experience into a new role, and enjoys working with students! Her interests include photography and traveling, and she hopes to continue neuroscience research at the graduate level after finishing at Lehigh.

To schedule an appointment with Alli, click here.

  • Isabel Carino-Bazan (Peer Academic Coach)
    • Isabel is a Junior double majoring in Molecular Biology and Economics. In this role, she looks forward to helping her peers develop skills to have a successful year at Lehigh. Outside of being a peer academic coach, she is part of University Productions and is a tutor. In her free time, Isabel enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, running, and playing the guitar.

To schedule an appointment with Isabel, click here.

  • Olivia Ma (Peer Academic Coach)
    • Olivia is a sophomore majoring in Pre-Dental Science in the 7-year dental program with the University of Pennsylvania. Having struggled with time management in the past, she aims to work alongside Lehigh students, creating long-lasting study habits and plans for academic success. Outside of class, Olivia is a member of Peer Health Advisors and the Lehigh Philharmonic Orchestra, and in her free time, enjoys crocheting and watching Netflix reality shows.

To schedule an appointment with Olivia, click here.

  • Sydney Fisher (Peer Academic Coach)
    • Sydney is a senior majoring in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. This is my second year as a peer academic coach, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to support and learn from fellow students. A fun fact about me is that I love horror movies!

To schedule an appointment with Sydney, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare for my first coaching session?

Academic coaching is a student-directed experience and focuses on your goals - come prepared to share your academic experience and what you want to accomplish.

What is the difference between tutoring and coaching?

Tutoring focuses on learning and understanding course content while coaching focuses on how you approach your academics and strengthens your skills like time management, organization, and goal-setting as examples.

What is the attendance policy?

When scheduling your appointment, please check your schedule to ensure you have no conflicts. In cases of cancellation, please do so as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours in advance whenever possible. A pattern of cancellations or no-shows may limit access to this resource.

All of the sessions are booked - what do I do?

Please complete this waitlist form and a member of our coaching team will contact you when more appointments become available. In the meantime, please utilize our additional services such as an individual learning and study skills session or tutoring, as appropriate.

Who are the coaches?

Our academic coaches are members of our professional, graduate and undergraduate student staff in Academic Life & Student Transitions.

Note, our coaches are mandated reporters and are required to report any instances of gender violence, bias, discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking or intimate partner abuse to the EEOC.