Strengthening the Pack

Your goal is our goal - academic success! We'll help you develop a strategy to achieve your academic goals based on your individual needs. Want to remove barriers to success and maximize your academic potential? Academic Support can help.

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ACADEMIC COACHING

 

Academic coaching is an intentional process to help students achieve their academic goals. In a positive and supportive environment, students can meet one-on-one with the student achievement specialist to identify barriers or areas of improvement, establish goals, and create a game plan for academic success. Academic coaching is free and available to all students. 

 

Academic Coaching Topics

  • Learning and study strategies 
  • Time management
  • Test preparation
  • Organization and planning
  • Avoiding procrastination
  • Goal setting
  • Motivation
  • Confidence
  • Reducing academic stress and anxiety
  • Transitioning from high school to college

 

Academic Coaching FAQs

Who can get academic coaching? Is there a cost? How often can I receive academic coaching?

Any Northern student -- whether on campus, online, part-time, at Huron Community Campus, or high school dual credit - is welcome to use academic coaching. Academic coaching is free of charge. You may schedule one or two appointments or set up recurring appointments, meeting as often as needed to support your academic goals. We strongly recommend two follow-up appointments throughout the semester after the initial appointment to adjust plans and strategies and access continuing support.

When can I get an academic coaching appointment?

Academic coaching appointments are available to students during the fall and spring semesters. We encourage you to be proactive to set yourself up for a successful semester and/or before any issues escalate. As soon as you recognize any barriers to your success or want to improve your academic skills, let us know and we would be happy to help!

What can I expect from academic coaching?

We aim to create an environment that is supportive, encouraging, and caring. In a judgement-free environment, we encourage you be open and honest about your academic concerns, barriers, and goals. During your first appointment, we take time to get to know you and your academic experience, set goals, and create an action plan. In follow-up appointments, we review how the plan has been going, determine whether adjustments need to be made, and create any new plans to support additional goals.

How can I benefit from academic coaching?

The college experience can look different for each student - we are here to help you achieve YOUR academic goals. For some students, that means working through barriers or challenges to their classes and learning; for others, it's maximizing grade potential. We offer coaching that's mindful of your individual academic needs to help make your journey a success at Northern.

How long is an appointment?

Initial academic coaching appointments are 60 minutes. Follow-up appointments can be 30 minutes or 60 minutes.

How can I get the most out of my appointment?

Since we may need to look through your course materials, please bring any equipment or materials with you (computer, planner, syllabus, etc.).

What other resources can help me be academically successful?

Please visit the Opportunity Center to find more resources, including tutoring and supplemental instruction, math help, writing assistance, academic advising, career center, counseling center and more.

 

LEARNING TOOLS AND RESOURCES

 

Need some guidance or advice on ways to help you succeed in your classes? Looking for a change in your study habits or how you prepare? Our Learning Tools and Resources are here to help. For more information, please contact the Student Success Center at 605-626-7782.

 

WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

Workshops

Whether you are a first-year student looking to start on the right path or a more experienced student wanting to reach your potential, check out our Student Success GOLD Series. These workshops and programs provide Great Opportunities for Learning and Development (GOLD), and is designed to help empower students to pursue their academic and personal potential through exploring various topics that focus on areas most helpful to student success. Check the Student Success Center Calendar for details.

 

Presentations

 

For Northern employees and campus organizations, Academic Support is available for presentations as part of the Student Success GOLD Series Guest initiative. Topics can include:

  • Effective studying skills
  • Time management
  • Fighting procrastination
  • Test-taking
  • Goal setting and motivation
  • Note-taking
  • Organization and planning
  • Reducing academic stress, and
  • Metacognition (thinking about how you think)

If you would like us to visit your classroom, please contact the Student Success Center at 605-626-7782 at least two weeks in advance.

 

BACK WITH THE PACK PROGRAM

 

The PACK (Pursuit of Academic Commitment and Knowledge) program offers an academic on-ramp for students who are on probation or have been provisionally accepted back to Northern.

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

 

Please visit the Opportunity Center to find more resources to assist you in your academic journey. Resources include tutoring and supplemental instruction, math help center, writing assistance, academic advising, Career Services, Counseling Services and more.