In addition to consultations with our professional staff, our department offers peer academic coaches to guide and support you on your academic journey. Peer academic coaches are trained to assist you with time management and study strategies to help you stay on track with your academic goals.
A peer academic coach can help you create a study schedule, improve note-taking methods or reading comprehension skills for your courses, find ways to fight procrastination, or improve test taking skills. You have the option to meet as needed for ideas on how to improve a specific skill, or you may choose to meet on a weekly basis for accountability as you work to reach your personal goals.
Coaching is for any student at any point in their academic career looking to reach their academic potential. From first-year students navigating their new schedules and social life to seniors preparing large research projects, our peer coaches are here to assist you.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Appointments are made through Tutortrac by selecting "Academic Coaching" from the menu of courses.
Please be sure to include a brief description of what you'd like to discuss with your coach in the Student Appointment Notes.
If you have questions about scheduling, please refer to this guide or contact academicresources@case.edu
Meet our Peer Academic Coaching Team
Mikaela "Miks" Ramos
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Major: Nutritional Biochemistry
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Club Soccer and Sports Medicine
Fun Fact: I am a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo
Advice for being successful at CWRU: Run your race and figure out what are the most effective strategies for your style of studying and make memories!
Eric Zheng
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Major: Biochemistry
Extra-Curricular Involvement: SI Leader, Research, UH Volunteering, Case EMS
Fun Fact: I volunteered in China for 2 weeks
Advice for being successful at CWRU: Have a good routine set up and keep consistent with it.
Emily Parslow
Hometown: Springfield, VA
Major: Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Peer tutoring, oSTEM, Habitat for Humanity
Fun Fact: My favorite jelly bean flavor is buttered popcorn
Advice for being successful at CWRU: Never be afraid to ask for help!
Lakshmi Venkat
Hometown: Chennai, India
Major: Neuroscience
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Synapse (President)
Fun Fact: I used to have a pet squirrel
Advice for being successful at CWRU: Don't be afraid to ask for help! There are so many resources here rooting for you!
Carolyn Zhu
Hometown: Clarendon Hills, IL
Major: Biology and Psychology
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Friends of MSF (President), University Chorale, Math Corps Cleveland volunteer, Rainbow Babies volunteer
Fun Fact: I love trying new baking recipes, going on nature walks, and taking funny pictures of campus squirrels.
Advice for being successful at CWRU: Adaptability is so important! Different classes can require different study strategies from one another.
How to Become a Peer Academic Coach
Want to join the peer academic coaching team? Join the Academic Support Resources department to guide and support fellow students on the road to academic success. Help others develop essential skills, overcome challenges and achieve their full academic potential while gaining beneficial experience for your personal and professional journey.
Qualifications
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
- Strong study skills and successful student habits and behaviors
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Commitment to helping other students succeed
Training
Initial onboarding and monthly training sessions will be required throughout the academic year.
Time Commitment
Coaches are expected to schedule at least 7 hours but no more than 10 hours of coaching availability per week. These hours may be adjusted with prior supervisor approval.
Scheduling
Coaches enter their available appointment times into Tutortrac. Appointments can be held between 8am and 10pm at the coach’s convenience. Appointments may be held virtually via a CWRU Zoom account or in person at the location of the tutor's choosing (no private residences are allowed). Coaches may not re-schedule or cancel on students without going through their supervisor, barring a dire emergency.
Compensation and Benefits
Coaches earn $11.60 per hour and are paid for their time spent in student sessions as well as required training meetings. Joining the Academic Support Resources team as an Academic Coach provides students the opportunity to develop leadership and mentoring skills.
Applications
For consideration, please complete the online application and faculty or staff recommendation form. Select applicants will be invited to interview.
Peer Academic Coach Application
Questions about becoming a peer academic coach? Contact Rachel Gray, assistant director of academic support resources.