FAQ

Academic Coaching is a free, personalized partnership between you and a trained peer or professional coach designed to help you become a more confident, independent learner. Coaches help you identify your goals, recognize your strengths, reflect on challenges, and develop strategies that work for your unique situation. Academic Coaching focuses on helping you build skills and habits you can use throughout college and beyond.

Academic coaches

Academic coaches are trained students and professionals who help you develop skills and strategies for academic success and lifelong learning. Common topics include time management, motivation, transitioning to college or graduate school, note-taking, test preparation, organization, and study strategies. Academic Coaching works alongside other support services, and we encourage students to connect with their academic advisors and tutors as needed.

Academic advisors

Academic advisors help you create an educational plan based on your interests, goals, and degree requirements. Advisors can assist with course selection, graduation planning, and understanding academic policies and requirements.

Need advising? Visit TWU Academic Advising

Tutors

Tutors help students better understand course content and strengthen their knowledge in a specific subject area. Tutoring focuses on mastering course material, while Academic Coaching focuses on developing the skills and strategies that support learning.

• Science Learning Resource Center
• Dr. Don Edwards Mathematics & Technology Success Center
• The Write Site
• Psychology Resource Center

Academic coaches

Academic coaches are trained students and professionals who help you develop skills and strategies for academic success and lifelong learning. Common topics include time management, motivation, transitioning to college or graduate school, note-taking, test preparation, organization, and study strategies. Academic Coaching works alongside other support services, and we encourage students to connect with their academic advisors and tutors as needed.

Mental health professionals

Mental health professionals at CAPS support students’ emotional well-being and mental health. They provide counseling and other mental health services to help students navigate concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, and other personal challenges that may affect their well-being and academic success. While Academic Coaching focuses on developing learning skills and academic success strategies, CAPS focuses on supporting students’ mental and emotional health.

Need counseling services? Visit TWU Counseling and Psychological Services

Academic Coaching is available for free to TWU students.

Scheduling an appointment is easy! Visit the Academic Coaching home page, click Schedule a Session for your campus, select a time that works for you, and complete the brief appointment form. After scheduling, you’ll receive a confirmation email and a reminder before your appointment.

Virtual appointments are available with multiple coaches. Students seeking a virtual appointment are encouraged to schedule with the coach whose availability best fits their schedule.

Note: All Dallas campus students meet with a coach virtually.

Don’t see an appointment time that works for you? Check back soon—coach availability changes, and new appointment times are added as schedules are updated.

We offer coaching at all three campuses. Students in Dallas will meet virtually with a coach.

Locations

Denton Campus
2nd-floor Blagg-Huey Library
P.O. Box 425978
Denton, TX 76204-5978
(940) 898-3755
pioneercenter@twu.edu

Houston Campus
TWU Houston Center
Suite 10300
6700 Fannin St.
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 794-2031
pioneercenter@twu.edu

Professional Coaches 

Professional Coaches are PCSE staff members who provide one-on-one coaching and drop-in support for students seeking more individualized guidance. They are a great fit for students navigating complex academic, personal, or life circumstances; major transitions; or situations that may require more specialized support. Professional Coaches can help you explore challenges, identify strategies, and connect with additional campus resources when needed.

Peer Academic Coaches (PACs)

Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) are fellow TWU students trained to support peers through common college experiences and challenges. Because they have recently navigated many of the same experiences, PACs offer a relatable perspective while helping you develop study strategies, improve productivity, set goals, build academic habits, find campus resources, and adjust to college life. Peer Coaches offer one-on-one appointments and drop-in office hours.

Not sure which coach is right for you? Both Professional Coaches and Peer Academic Coaches are trained to support your success. The best fit depends on what you would like to work on.

Academic Coaching sessions typically last 45–60 minutes and are tailored to your goals, needs, and experiences. Your coach will ask questions, encourage reflection, and help you explore strategies that fit your situation.

Because you know your experiences best, coaching focuses on helping you identify solutions and create an action plan that works for you. Common topics include time management, organization, note-taking, test preparation, and study strategies.

Before your session, think about what you would like to discuss or work on with your coach. We also expect that you bring any relevant materials, such as class notes, textbooks, assignments, schedules, or coaching forms. These resources can help you and your coach make meaningful progress toward your goals, whether you are building a weekly schedule, preparing for an exam, improving study habits, or developing strategies for a challenging course.

There is no minimum or maximum number of coaching sessions students can schedule each semester. The frequency of meetings depends on your goals, needs, and availability. You can discuss the best approach for your situation with your coach.

To request a workshop, contact Dr. Elia Tamplin (etamplin@twu.edu) at least three weeks before your preferred workshop date. After you reach out, we’ll send you a workshop request form to learn more about your group and tailor the workshop to your needs. Once we review your request, we’ll confirm whether we’re able to accommodate your request or discuss alternative options.

No, all workshops are free of charge.

Our pre-scheduled Academic Excellence Workshops are typically 50–60 minutes long. If you request a workshop, you may choose either a brief 5–10 minute overview of PCSE programs and services or a 30–60 minute academic skills workshop (PCSE overview included), depending on your group’s needs.

For a complete schedule of available workshops, visit the Academic Excellence Workshops page or the TWU Event Calendar.