Academic coaches work with students with disabilities to provide regular coaching sessions focusing on helping students develop strategies and skills for academic success.
The service is offered to students registered for classes at the University of Iowa and is available at no cost. Academic coaches will assist students in skill development in the following areas:
- Executive functioning such as juggling multiple tasks and planning/prioritizing
- Self-advocacy for navigating their college experience
- Self-management for academic and career paths
- Interpersonal communication skills
Interested in meeting one-on-one with an academic coach?
For students who are already registered with our office and are interested in meeting one-on-one with an academic coach, please fill out this Qualtrics survey and we will be in touch with you about working with one of our coaches.
About the Academic Coaching Program
Student Disability Services piloted an Academic Coaching Program for the Spring 2021 semester. The program was a success and was renewed for the 2021-2022 academic year! Our Spring 2022 coaches are: Alison Casella, Eva Donnelly, Rachel Duray, Dia Paudyal, Natalie Knapp, and Grace Theilen.
If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Vickie Houser at vickie-houser@uiowa.edu.
The Academic Coaching Program is possible through a generous gift from a private donor.
Feedback
Surveys were completed at the end of each semester which garnered some positive quotes about the program:
My coach increased my feelings of competence and reasonability.
It has been very helpful; my coach is a great human being.
She is a great coach, very understanding and helpful.
She is a great academic coach and I look forward to working with her again next semester.
My coach was wonderful to work with. I felt like she offered wonderful insight to being successful in my college experience.
My coach is an amazing coach! She is quick to reply to any questions and always has flexible times to meet. She is very pleasant to spend time with and makes me feel supported and motivated.
The Academic Coaching Program has greatly improved my academics and confidence at the University of Iowa.