Academic Coaching Defined:

Academic coaching is a personalized approach to develop and strengthen the academic skills needed for undergraduate and graduate 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.

How to Get Started: 
  1. Login to Compass (go.lehigh.edu/compass)
  2. Click “Schedule an Appointment Today!”
  3. What type of appointment would you like to schedule: Academic Support (Tutoring, Coaching)
  4. Service: “Academic Coaching:
  5. Pick a Date: You choose!
  6. Select appointment type
  7. Complete Questionnaire
  8. NOTE: The coach will tell you the meeting location

Meet Our Coaches:

Mohammad Bahadori Fallah

Mohammad is a sixth-year Ph.D. student in Special Education at Lehigh University and serves as an Academic Support Graduate Assistant in the Office of Academic Success and the Writing Center. He is also a Lehigh-trained mentor and has mentored graduate students in the past, supporting their academic and professional development. He previously worked as a Graduate Writing Consultant in the Graduate Writers’ Studio, where he supported students with dissertations, proposals, and applications. In addition to publishing journal articles and presenting at several academic conferences, his research focuses on special education teachers’ emotions and their impact on student outcomes. Through his roles in academic coaching, Mohammad is committed to helping students strengthen their time management and study strategies to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Danica
Hi! My name is Danica, and I am a junior majoring in accounting. Along with Peer Academic Coaching, I am involved with Club Soccer, Club Softball, Colleges Against Cancer, and Lehigh After Dark. I am excited to be a Peer Academic Coach because I enjoy meeting new people, helping others, and learning about everyone's unique experiences at Lehigh. I had a difficult time transitioning to Lehigh during my first year, and I am always happy to share what I have learned and support students in that situation. In my free time, I like running, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.
 
Darla
My name is Darla Zavala-Lopez, and I'm a sophomore studying Business Analytics & Finance as well as doing a minor in Applied Mathematics. I'm excited to be a coach to help students stay disciplined and help with time management, and share what motivates me. On campus, I'm involved as a Tour Guide, BISAN Treasurer, and a member of the Tri-Alpha First-Gen Honors Society. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, trying cafes, and working out. 
 
Ella
Hi! My name is Ella, and I am a senior studying Accounting and Economics. Adapting to college during my freshman year took a lot of trial and error, but through that experience, I learned valuable strategies that I'm excited to share to help others succeed. On campus, I’m involved with Lehigh After Dark, University Productions, the Lehigh Economics Society, and serve as a Group Tutor. In my free time, I love reading and checking out different coffee shops in the Lehigh Valley.
 
Gabriela 
My name is Gabriela, I am a junior studying Bioengineering and I'm from Santiago, Chile. As an international student,  I can attest to the struggle of adapting to a new life AND managing classes on top of it. Luckily I had a GREAT Peer Academic Coach who truly gave me the skills, encouragement and hope I needed, and I am so excited to do the same for others!
 
Jackie
Hi! I’m Jackie, a senior studying psychology on the pre physician assistant track. I am double minoring in Maternal & Child health and biology. This is my second year as a peer academic coach, and I’m excited to continue helping my fellow students! In addition to being a peer academic coach I’m on the executive board of my sorority, a Med mentor, and in break the silence. I love cooking, reading, and working out at Taylor gym!
 

Kathryn 
My name is Kathryn and I'm a sophomore here at Lehigh. I'm pursuing a Dual Degree in Finance and Art History. I'm excited to help fellow students learn important study habits and learning skills that can transfer across disciplines and colleges here at Lehigh. In my free time I love to paint, play the piano, watch movies, and read a good book. 

Jaya
Hi! My name is Jaya (JAY-UH) . I am a senior graduating in January of 2027. I am a Political Science (BA) and Economics (BA) double major in the College of Arts and Sciences. After college, I plan to go to law school. As a coach, I am excited to guide students to efficiently find academic habits that work for them, as it took me a long time to find those that worked for me! In my free time I love working out, reading, and seeing my friends. 
 
Marianna
Hi I’m Marianna, I’m a junior majoring in Biology with a Spanish minor on the Pre-Dental track. Adapting to college was a huge challenge, finding what worked for me took a lot of trial and error. But, I’m excited to use what I learned to help others! Some fun facts about me include I’m from Brooklyn New York, I used to be a competitive dancer, and my favorite show is Modern Family!
 
Sandra
Hi! I’m Sandra, and I’m a junior majoring in Marketing and Economics. Throughout my time at Lehigh, I’ve learned how important it is to find a balance between academics, extracurriculars, and making time for yourself. I’m excited to use my own experiences to help other students find strategies that work best for them and feel more confident throughout their college experience! Some fun facts about me are that I am from Mountain Lakes, NJ, I’m involved in Alpha Phi, I love all things marketing and social media, and I’ll be studying abroad in Madrid next semester! 
 
Selin
Hi, I’m Selin! I’m a junior studying Industrial and Systems Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. I’m excited to be a Peer Academic Coach because I know firsthand that finding the right balance in college can take some trial and error. I look forward to helping students find study strategies and routines that work best for them! Outside of academics, I love to crochet and read, and I’m also a Head Gryphon at Lehigh!
 
Sierra
Hi! I'm Sierra, and I'm a sophomore studying accounting and finance, with minors in philosophy and learning science. I am the president of the American Association of University Women and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha. In my free time, I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and baking. I'm excited to help other students become successful and intentional in their learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.