What is Academic Coaching?
Academic coaching is a service aimed at enhancing a college student's learning experience. Through one-on-one sessions, academic coaches provide tailored strategies for effective time management, goal setting, and study techniques. We offer support in developing critical thinking skills, fostering a growth mindset, and navigating academic challenges. Academic coaching empowers students to overcome obstacles, enhance their academic performance, and cultivate lifelong skills essential for success in college and beyond. This service is free to all GMU students.
Hello,
my name is
Melany
"I’m a transfer student who had a hard time adjusting to George Mason. I used Academic Coaching for all my classes. It guided me on time management, being on task, and really helped hold me accountable."
How to Make an Academic Coaching Appointment
1: Log in to Patriot Connect & click “Schedule An Appointment”
2: Select “Academic Support Services” & Choose Learning Services from following the list.
4: Choose what kind of Academic coaching you need like Academic Coaching or Academic Coaching with a Learning Specialist.
5: Choose your appointment day and time.
6: Review and Confirm your Appointment!
Both Peer Academic Coaches and Learning Specialists provide academic coaching and help students develop skills for academic success. Peer Academic Coaches are trained undergraduate and graduate students who offer a peer-to-peer perspective on topics such as time management, study strategies, and goal setting. Learning Specialists are professional staff who provide additional expertise and support for students with a wide range of academic and learning needs, including students with learning disabilities and other learning challenges.
Meet our team members to learn about their backgrounds.
During your first session, your academic coach will learn about your goals, challenges, and current study habits. Together, you'll develop personalized strategies and create a plan to help you stay on track academically. Your coach will support and encourage you as you work toward your goals, helping you build skills and accountability along the way. Sessions last approximately 45 minutes. For the best results, we recommend meeting once a week for at least 3 to 4 sessions.
Before academic coaching, George Mason students are invited to complete a free online assessment called the Learning and Study Strategies Inventory (LASSI). The assessment may take 10-15 minutes to complete. The LASSI is designed to gather information about current learning, study habits, and attitudes. Instructions for completing the LASSI will be emailed to the student when they schedule the appointment.
Contact Aixa Alemán-Díaz, PhD, Assistant Director for Learning Services either at her email [email protected] and/or (703)993-1554 for her office.
In 2026, George Mason University is now certified as the International Peer Educator Training Program Certification (IPTPC) for CRLA Levels 1 and 2.