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
Alicia Matthew
Hometown: Aurora, IL
Major: Neuroscience
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Choir, Precious Plastics, research, and volunteering at a local dialysis clinic
Fun Fact: I'm a classically-trained soprano! I performed all over the US in high school, including Carnegie Hall.
Advice for being successful at CWRU: Reach out! There are so many people who are here to help you succeed, both academically and personally. Also, talk to your professors! They are all very passionate about their subjects, and they love to talk about the interesting parts of their work.
Ariyana Shafizadeh
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Major: Medical Anthropology
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Founder of the Campus Interfaith Collective, Treasurer of the Anthropology Student Association, Director of Membership for Mortar Board, Organic Chemistry TA, Co-leader of Black Student Equity Campaign, Emergency Medicine Research
Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Kenya last summer conducting chemistry research!
Advice for being successful at CWRU: Being successful at CWRU is about being intentional with both your time and your voice. Prioritize what truly matters to you and recognize that you don’t have to do everything to succeed. At the same time, find a support system that makes campus feel smaller, whether through friends, classmates, or mentors who can support you through challenges. Just as importantly, advocate for yourself by asking questions, going to office hours, and speaking up when you need help or opportunities.
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.
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now closed.
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 between 7- 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 $12.76 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
Faculty or Staff Recommendation Form
Questions about becoming a peer academic coach? Contact Rachel Gray, assistant director of academic support resources.