The International Coach Federation defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.” Here at FSU, we endeavor to do all those things, with a spin on it! The college experience is unique and our College Life Coaches are committed to not only supporting students through their own creative process, but using FSU as a vehicle to do it!

Great question! A coach is someone who is going to walk along side you as you discover and explore your potential in your area(s) of interest. Coaches can discuss a wide-range of topics, and are knowledgeable about campus resources to ensure you can build your network of support and exploration. An academic advisor supports you with details related to your major and course selection. You should meet with your advisor at least once a semester to discuss degree progress from your time of enrollment through graduation. A counselor (also known as a therapist) provides therapeutic services related to emotional or mental distress. Counselors can offer confidential services and connect you to other mental health professionals to develop a wellness plan.

The Advising First Center for College Life Coaching works with many groups of students; some of those groups include first-year students who are from out of state, living off campus, receiving Pell grants and scholarships, and students admitted in the spring semester. 

Whatever you choose! We take pride in providing a space that is unique to you as an individual based on your goals and aspirations. Common topics include: time management, maximizing potential, goal-setting, campus opportunities, and more, but we are also a great connecting point to offices on campus specializing in some of those topics. To get the most out of your experience, it would be beneficial to think about some topics that you would like to discuss; present it in your meeting and enjoy the journey.  

Individual coaching meetings take place every other week for the academic year. You and your coach will schedule a 20-25-minute recurring meeting that fits your schedule. 

College Life Coaches are located in the William Johnston Building (WJB). Typically, first-year students will meet at WJB.  Click here to learn more about the coaching locations. Contact your coach if you have questions. If needed, coaches can provide students with a Zoom option for meetings; however, we've learned that coaching is most effective in person.

In the event you cannot make a scheduled meeting, please contact your coach as soon as possible. They will work with you to reschedule. Coaches typically have over 100 students on their roster, so it is important for students to be proactive when they are unable to meet with their coach. First-year students receive priority in our coaching program. First-year students could forfeit their time slot after two missed meetings.

Our full-time coaching staff come from many different backgrounds and include individuals with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Coaches are here to support students and are actively engaged in the higher education coaching and advising community at the local and national levels. They are rigorously trained and continue to engage in professional development opportunities to better serve students. 

All students are randomly assigned to a coach. Each of our coaches is trained and experienced in meeting the student where they are and embrace all backgrounds.

Our program has conducted research on the outcomes of students who have participated in coaching since its inception in 2009. Our research shows that students who actively participate in the coaching program reported higher satisfaction rates in their overall college experience and higher GPAs! First-year students are highly encouraged to attend Kick Off and a couple of meetings before declining.

Students may be referred by a campus partner or can be self-referred. Students not selected for coaching can work with a coach by completing an interest form. For more information, go to our Want to meet with a coach? page.

While coaches are not a confidential source, they do maintain the privacy of students. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits staff from sharing student information with others, including family. Coaches may only release information with the student’s expressed/written consent.