Academic Success Coaching creates supportive space for students on academic probation

Fresno State’s Academic Success Coaching program (ASC) hosted its first RISE Kick-Off on January 13 in the Satellite Student Union, where first-year students on academic probation were invited to connect with their peers and set themselves up for success in the Spring semester through a series of reflective and inspirational activities. 

During the kick-off, ASC staff also announced that the program has partnered with ASI to launch its Learning Locker in the upcoming semester — where students on academic probation can pick up Blue Books, scantrons and other school supplies at no cost. 

ASC is a free resource for students, providing personalized one-on-one support and guidance on topics including study skills, motivation and time management. ASC receives over 3,000 visits each year. 

Students who participate in ASC see a letter grade improvement after connecting with their academic coach. Academic coaches are more experienced Fresno State students who have been trained by professional staff to support their peers. 

“We wanted to do something a little different from what has been done in the past for freshmen on academic probation,” Mazie Moua, ASC coordinator, said of the kick-off event. “We wanted to lift the stigma and feelings that students have [after] they have been placed on probation.” 

The kick-off featured a motivational speech delivered by Jerry Gomez, an outreach counselor at Reedley College and former coordinator of the Off-Campus Student Life program at Fresno State. Gomez recounted a time in which he was told by a professor that college was not for him, using the story as an opportunity to speak to students about the importance of creating a supportive community, having a growth mindset and finding your purpose. 

Following Gomez’s speech, students were led through two activities that provided an opportunity for them to reflect on their strengths, resilience and self-talk. They were prompted to respond to questions including: What’s something you’ve done that you’re proud of? What is your greatest strength? How can you apply this strength to overcome challenges this semester?

To close the kick-off, students were given the opportunity to meet with academic advisors and other campus programs, including the Student Health and Counseling Center and Financial Aid, to address any questions or concerns they had prior to the start of classes. 

Moua said, “Most importantly, we want students to know that they are not alone. They have the support of the campus and programs like ours to help them navigate through the semester and beyond, [and] we encourage them to connect with us even if they are unsure of where to start.”
Students can connect with ASC on Instagram and online at https://studentaffairs.fresnostate.edu/lrc/asc/index.html.

by MARISA MATA

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