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Program takes aim at helping students at risk
Offered through the College of Engineering, free coaching to help students on 'warning'
Caitlin Cagle
Issue date: 2/11/09 Section: News
The College of Engineering has established a new free program for pre-engineering students who have been placed on "academic warning."
The Academic Peer Coaching Program, a branch of the Academic Success Center, geared specifically toward OSU's engineering students, is a program dedicated to retention for the COE.
During fall term of 2007, numbers showed that 320 pre-engineering students were given "academic warning" and placed on the list, a number that makes up approximately 19 percent of all pre-engineering students.
The Academic Peer Coaching Program has become a requirement for all pre-engineering students placed on "academic warning."
"This gives engineering students a chance to get back on track and keep up with the curriculum," said Brett McFarlane, director of undergraduate programs for the COE. "I think it's easier for the students to be taught by their peers. They feel a little less shy and more comfortable with people closer to their age."
Caitlin Azhderian, Academic Peer Coaching coordinator, thinks it's a great opportunity for the leaders as well.
"The coaching program benefits both the students coming for help and the students giving it. It's a way for the students who are coaches to gain leadership skills, which is fantastic not only for the students taking part but also for those leading it," Azhderian said.
The program helps students with necessary academic success tools such as time management, study skills, test taking, goal setting, procrastination and any other area students seem to be struggling in. The COE undergraduate program staff has posted a checklist online that allows students to check off their problem areas and the areas that they need advising in the most.
"You don't have to be struggling," said sophomore Jennifer Charpilloz, one of the program's peer coaches. "I've had 4.0 students come in who have just needed a little encouragement and a push in the right direction."
The Peer Coaching Program is free and open to all COE students.
The Academic Peer Coaching Program, a branch of the Academic Success Center, geared specifically toward OSU's engineering students, is a program dedicated to retention for the COE.
During fall term of 2007, numbers showed that 320 pre-engineering students were given "academic warning" and placed on the list, a number that makes up approximately 19 percent of all pre-engineering students.
The Academic Peer Coaching Program has become a requirement for all pre-engineering students placed on "academic warning."
"This gives engineering students a chance to get back on track and keep up with the curriculum," said Brett McFarlane, director of undergraduate programs for the COE. "I think it's easier for the students to be taught by their peers. They feel a little less shy and more comfortable with people closer to their age."
Caitlin Azhderian, Academic Peer Coaching coordinator, thinks it's a great opportunity for the leaders as well.
"The coaching program benefits both the students coming for help and the students giving it. It's a way for the students who are coaches to gain leadership skills, which is fantastic not only for the students taking part but also for those leading it," Azhderian said.
The program helps students with necessary academic success tools such as time management, study skills, test taking, goal setting, procrastination and any other area students seem to be struggling in. The COE undergraduate program staff has posted a checklist online that allows students to check off their problem areas and the areas that they need advising in the most.
"You don't have to be struggling," said sophomore Jennifer Charpilloz, one of the program's peer coaches. "I've had 4.0 students come in who have just needed a little encouragement and a push in the right direction."
The Peer Coaching Program is free and open to all COE students.
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