The SPS Peer Academic Success Coaching (PASC) Program gives students the opportunity to work one-on-one with a coach in developing and enhancing their approach to graduate school. Rather than focusing on specific course content, PASCs help SPS students identify barriers to their academic success and determine more effective strategies to be applied both inside and outside of the classroom. Concepts such as time management, motivation, utilizing campus resources, goal-setting, test-taking, and exam preparation are typically discussed.
Questions? Email the Office of Student Support at sps-studentservices [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
**NEW: STUDENTS MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS**
For assistance with specific course content, check out the SPS Tutoring Program.
For questions or concerns about your academic standing, course grades, or registration, speak to your academic advisor.
Spring 2023 registration opens on Tuesday January 17th. Appointments will begin on Monday January 23, 2023.
Read the steps below to learn how to access the appointment centers and schedule a session with a Peer Academic Success Coach.
- Register for the SPS PASC Program by filling out the REQUIRED form on SPS Engage. You will need your Columbia UNI and password to access the registration page. Once your registration is submitted, you will automatically gain access to the appointment centers linked below. The policies and expectations outlined in the registration form can be found in the PASC Student Agreement.
- Log on to SPS Engage with your Columbia UNI and password to access the appointment centers. Appointment slots will become available on a monthly basis.
- Schedule an appointment with a coach by clicking "book" next to their name. Answer all required registration questions accurately. Please be as detailed as possible in your responses. A confirmation email and a calendar invitation with the location will be sent after the session is created. Please note that any appointments scheduled with false or incomplete information will be canceled without notice.
- Once your session is over, submit responses for the SPS PASC Session Survey (optional). Students utilizing coaching services are asked to complete this evaluation form in order for us to continuously assess and improve the coaching program. Your responses will not be shared with the coaches. Any questions or concerns can be sent to sps-studentservices [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
Appointment Centers
To schedule a 30 minute virtual appointment, click here.
To schedule a 30 minute in-person appointment, click here.
*Students must register in order to access the appointment centers.
Need to cancel or reschedule your appointment? Learn how.
Please be mindful of the attendance policy, which outlines that cancellations must be made at least 24-hours in advance. If a student cancels a session more than two times, or fails to attend a session without prior notice more than two times, that student will not be able to schedule another appointment in the current semester. Continuous cancellations or skipped appointments will result in complete removal from the program.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to attend the sessions they sign up for. If circumstances change, students MUST cancel or reschedule their appointment at-least 24-hours in advance. If a student cancels a session more than two times, or fails to attend a session without prior notice more than two times, that student will not be able to schedule another appointment in the current semester. Continuous cancellations or skipped appointments over multiple semesters will result in complete removal from the program.
SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS
Coaching is offered both virtually and in-person. Appointments are 30-minute, one-on-one sessions booked solely through SPS Engage. Students are limited to scheduling one coaching session per week. Any sessions booked beyond this limitation will be canceled without the student’s consent. Students are also limited to 10 individual appointments per tutor for the semester.
All students who wish to utilize the SPS PASC Program MUST read and agree to the terms outlined in the SPS PASC Student Agreement as part of the registration process. Any students in violation of this agreement are subject to removal from the SPS PASC Program and to any relevant Columbia University Student Conduct Policies.
How to Cancel or Reschedule an Appointment
Responding "no" to the calendar invitation you receive after booking does not cancel your appointment. You must follow the instructions linked above to formally cancel or reschedule your appointment, otherwise you will be marked as a "no-show."
Please be mindful of the attendance policy, which outlines that cancelations must be made at least 24-hours in advance. If a student cancels a session more than two times, or fails to attend a session without prior notice more than two times, that student will not be able to schedule another appointment in the current semester. Continuous cancellations or skipped appointments will result in complete removal from the program.
How much does a coaching session cost?
The Peer Academic Success Coaching Program is a FREE resource for SPS students.
How can the coaches help me?
The purpose of coaching is to provide short-term assistance for SPS students looking to enhance their approach to graduate school. Coaches will help you assess your current practices and identify areas for improvement in areas such as time management, studying, goal-setting, etc. Coaches are NOT responsible for providing assistance with specific course content or for teaching you any kind of academic material related to your program.
There is nothing more powerful than a new connection. Meet with a PASC not only to improve your academic success, but also to expand your network in the SPS Community. They are students, too!
What is the attendance policy?
Students are expected to attend the sessions they sign up for. If circumstances change and students need to cancel or reschedule their appointments, they must do so at least 24-hours in advance. Cancelling a session more than two times (either before or after the 24 hour mark) or failing to attend a session without prior notice more than two times will result in a student's removal from the program for the current semester. Continuous cancellations or skipped appointments over multiple semesters will result in a student's complete removal from the program for the remainder of their time at SPS. Exceptions may be made under extenuating circumstances.
For questions for concerns about the attendance policy, email sps-studentservices [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
Who are the PASCs?
Our Peer Academic Success Coaches are fellow SPS students who demonstrate academic excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. Each coach receives professional training from SPS staff.
Can I meet with more than one coach?
Yes! But please note that students are limited to one appointment per week. You can find more information about our scheduling policies by reading the SPS PASC Program Student Agreement.
How should I prepare for a session with a coach?
- Do your best to identify specific areas where help is needed prior to attending a session. While your coach can help you assess your current practices to pinpoint areas of improvement, it is important to take an active role in the learning process by reflecting on your own experiences.
- Come to your session prepared with questions, an open mind, and any resources your coach may need to assess, such as: class notes, your personal calendar or planner, course syllabi, etc.
- Be ready to actively participate!
Who is eligible to participate in the SPS PASC Program?
Coaching is available for all currently enrolled M.S. and M.P.S. students at the School of Professional Studies.
Are students automatically assigned a coach?
No, students are not automatically assigned a coach. Participation in this program is voluntary. Students interested in coaching sessions are responsible for finding an available coach and scheduling an appointment through their student account on SPS Engage.
How can the SPS PASC Program help my students?
The purpose of coaching is to provide short-term assistance for SPS students looking to enhance their approach to graduate school. Coaches will help students assess their current practices and identify areas of improvement with concepts such as time management, studying, goal-setting, etc. Coaches are NOT authorized to provide assistance with specific course content or for teaching students any kind of academic material related to their program.
Students participating in the PASC Program will be able to implement academic success strategies, experience an increase in self-confidence and self-efficacy, and have the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with their peers.
What happens during a coaching session?
Coaches and students work together to identify barriers to academic success and develop a plan for overcoming those challenges. Coaches will help students set and achieve academic goals and discuss strategies for success in the classroom. A coach is not authorized to provide academic assistance with specific course content and will not complete assignments, exams, or projects with students.
Why is a student contacting me for a recommendation?
Students interested in becoming Peer Academic Success Coaches are required to receive TWO recommendations: one from their SPS Academic Advisor, and one from another SPS Faculty or Staff member of their choice. Students are solely responsible for identifying and reaching out to their recommenders to provide the form link and ask for a recommendation. Applications will not be considered complete until both recommendations are on file. Formal letters of recommendation are not necessary. Your responses are kept confidential from the student and should reflect your honest analysis of the student's knowledge and skills.
PLEASE NOTE: if you are asked to complete the recommendation form and do not have an account on SPS Engage, you must email sps-studentlife [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu to request one.
Who are the PASCs?
Our Peer Academic Success Coaches are SPS students who demonstrate academic excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. Each coach receives professional training from SPS staff.
What kind of training do coaches receive?
Our coaches receive extensive training from professional staff about academic success strategies, peer mentorship, and more. Prior to hiring, coaches are also required to showcase academic excellence in their time thus far at SPS.
What are the requirements to become a coach?
Prospective coaches must...
* Be located in the United States.
* Be a continuing M.S. or M.P.S. student (not entering their first semester at SPS).
* Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.70.
* Be in good academic & behavioral standing.
* Be actively enrolled in class during the semester(s) in which the student will be working.
* NOT be employed at Columbia University in any other capacity. (e.g., academic (TA), administrative (casual), SPS Tutor or work study).
* Complete the online application form in its entirety.
* Receive both required recommendations and submit all materials prior to the application deadline.
Click here to download or distribute a digital copy of these FAQs.
Applications for coaching positions are now closed.
The School of Professional Studies (SPS) aims to guide students to become stakeholders in their academic journey by providing them with resources, data-driven programs, and tailored opportunities to support their success. Our students come to the University with a diverse set of lived experiences and our goal is to provide them with the necessary tools to navigate their time here. The School is seeking qualified and motivated Peer Academic Success Coaches to support the SPS community.
Compensation: $25.00 per hour
Hours Per Week: ~10
Modality: Hybrid
Anticipated Start Date: TBD (Fall 2023)
Fall 2023 Application Opens: TBD
Fall 2023 Application Deadline: TBD
Mandatory Training Date (Tentative): TBD
Peer Academic Success Coaches:
* Provide personalized support during 1-on-1 sessions to identify barriers to academic success.
* Assess students’ current practices and make suggestions for improvement.
* Share existing campus resources and make referrals, as needed.
* Further develop their own communication skills, mentorship strategies, and leadership skills.
Qualifications
Prospective coaches must...
* Be willing to commit at least one full semester to this position.
* Possess a positive attitude and a passion for helping others.
* Have strong interpersonal communication skills.
* Be capable of working both individually and as part of a diverse team.
* Be able to demonstrate and discuss effective strategies related to time management, studying, goal setting, test-taking, utilizing resources, etc.
Eligibility
Prospective coaches must...
* Be located in the United States.
* Be a continuing M.S. or M.P.S. student (not entering their first semester at SPS).
* Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.70.
* Be in good academic & behavioral standing.
* Be actively enrolled in class during the semester(s) in which the student will be working.
* NOT be part of the SPS Internship Program. Students who are currently in, or plan to apply to, the SPS Internship Program are ineligible to apply for the SPS PASC Program.
Required Application Documents
- Application Form
- . Resume and/or CV
- Columbia University Transcript. Unofficial copies (e.g. screenshots of SSOL) are acceptable. First semester students without transcripts may submit screenshots of current grades on Canvas as a placeholder until final grades are ready for review.
- Recommendation Form (x2): Students interested in becoming Peer Academic Success Coaches are required to receive TWO recommendation form submissions on their behalf: one from their SPS Academic Advisor, and one from an SPS Faculty or Staff member of their choice. Students are solely responsible for identifying and reaching out to their recommenders to provide the form link (http://bit.ly/pasc-rec) and ask for an endorsement. Applications will not be considered complete until both recommendations are on file. PLEASE NOTE: If your recommender does not have an account on SPS Engage, they must email sps-studentlife [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu to request one.
Applications submitted missing any of the aforementioned components will be marked as incomplete and therefore excluded from consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: "I was just admitted to SPS. Am I eligible to be a Peer Academic Success Coach?"
A: No. Students entering their first semester at SPS are not eligible to be coaches. Only continuing students entering their second semester or beyond can apply. This is to guarantee that our coaches have at least one semester of experience in graduate school at SPS and can receive recommendations from SPS faculty and staff.
Q: "Can one of my recommendations come from someone not affiliated with SPS?"
A: No. Recommendations must come from SPS faculty or staff members. Keep in mind that two recommendations are required: one from your Academic Advisor, and another from any other faculty or staff member of your choice.
Q: "I will be entering my second semester but I do not have a GPA yet. What should I write on the application?"
A: Please write "0.0" in the required GPA question. We will conduct a final review of course grades and GPAs prior to formally hiring.
Q: "When do you hire coaches? Can I apply any time?"
A: We have two application cycles per academic year: once over the summer for open fall positions, and once in the fall for open spring positions. We do not hire year-round.
Q: "Do coaches work over the summer?"
A: No, coaches do not work over the summer. Coaching is only offered during the fall and spring semesters.
