Academic Support Programs

ASC Frequently Asked Questions

Click one of the questions below for the answer or scroll down to read them all in order.

Who can use academic coaching?

Our year-round services are open to all degree-seeking students at UW Bothell, whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student.

We cannot support non-Bothell students – not even students from other UW campuses. Sorry!

Is coaching only for people who are struggling?

Academic success coaching is for all students! Our focus is not on your current academic performance but on maximizing your learning potential and optimizing your study habits. Every student can benefit from meeting with an academic success coach.

What are the benefits of meeting with an Academic Success Coach?

There are so many ways a coach can help you succeed! These are just a few benefits of working with us:

  • Learn strategies to boost your quarter and cumulative GPA
  • Develop an effective time management system
  • Increase awareness of other campus resources
  • Create specific action plan to achieve academic goals

Where does coaching take place?

Virtual sessions are held via Zoom, Monday-Friday. In person sessions and drop-in coaching is also available throughout the week in the Academic Learning Commons, room UW2-030.

You can also request to take a walk in nature with an academic success coach to talk about how you’re doing while improving your focus and well-being.

Whether you choose in-person or virtual, in-office or out in the trees, you are welcome to make an appointment or drop in during our hours of operation.

Visit the ASC appointments and drop-ins page for more information.

What should I bring to my coaching session?

To get the most out of your meeting, be sure to bring the syllabi from your classes, a laptop or tablet, your calendar/planner (if you have one), and an open mind! You should also be prepared to share your class schedule, work schedule, and any obstacles you might be facing.

Are my coaching appointments confidential?

Absolutely. Our policy is to maintain confidentiality in all our coaching consultations with students.

The only situation where we would disclose your personal information would be when we see a health or safety emergency, and even then, your information will only be shared with trained professionals. Please see the purple sheet to learn about support for distressed students across campus.

How long are coaching sessions?

Coaching sessions are 45 minutes long. If you would like your session to be shorter or longer, your coach will work with you to make any time accommodations.

What is the maximum number of coaching sessions I can book?

You can meet as often as you would like! The schedule and frequency of your sessions are determined by you and your coach when you first meet.  Options include one-time visits, weekly, monthly, or on an as-needed basis. We recommend that students meet with a success coach early and often.

What can I expect from my coaching session?

Academic Success Coaching is a collaborative process. In your session, remember to be yourself and be open to a meaningful conversation. Your coach will get to know you by asking questions about you and your study strategies. The coach may ask a few questions about your daily habits or even your life outside of school in order to find potential areas of change or growth.

We value the voices and lived experiences of our community and understand that sharing past failure and success stories is an important skill to practice as it fosters motivation and encourages growth! By collaborating with a coach, we will reflect on past struggles and co-create a success plan with manageable step-by-step process to help you reach your intended outcome. We’re here to help you make progress – even and especially if you don’t know where to start.

Are there resources I can use between my coaching sessions?

Yes, there are! Digital resources can be found in our online Resource Library (TODO link) and can be downloaded, printed, and shared to your heart’s content.

How is coaching different from other resources on campus?

Coaching is a personalized form of support where trained professionals help you set and achieve goals in areas like personal growth, professional development, and/or academic success. Although we’re invested in your academic growth and progress, we work with (and can refer you to) other campus resources, that specifically support you in other ways, such as:

  • Academic Advising: An academic program advisor helps you to establish a plan of study, enroll in courses, and declare majors. You can also meet with them to monitor degree requirements and get assistance with withdrawals or leaves of absence.
  • Counseling Center: Licenced Mental Health Counselors help students with emotional well-being, personal challenges, mental wellness concerns, and cognitive health. They use therapy and counseling approaches to teach coping strategies and improve mental wellness.
  • Peer Coaches: Peer Coaches (PCs) are undergraduate leaders who meet 1-1 with students to help them get the most out of their UW Bothell experience. Every first-year student selects their coach (based on their meta-major) before orientation and continues working toward individual goals, whether it’s succeeding in class, exploring careers, or making friends!
  • Tutoring: The Academic Learning Commons (ALC) has highly trained undergraduate tutors that help with writing, communication, and all UW Bothell quantitative subjects. They support students of all backgrounds and skill levels. If you’d like to challenge yourself, just understand what’s happening in class, or learn the basics, the ALC can help.

When helpful, your coach can make the appropriate referrals to other UW Bothell resources and assist students with appointment scheduling.

How do I make an appointment?

All set to make your first appointment? Great! Click here to visit the appointments and drop-ins page to learn how to get started.

What if I have more questions or don’t know where to start?

Please call (425) 352-3786, email successcoaches@uw.edu, or stop by the front desk at the Academic Learning Commons, UW2-030.