At Florida State University, we value critical thinking and strive to be on the cutting edge of higher education innovation. We designed the College Life Coaching Institute to be appealing to both the student/academic affairs professional looking to gain new skills to enhance student meetings, as well as those holding leadership positions looking for ways to innovate and motivate their departments. We encourage you to explore our website to find out more about how the Coaching Institute can support your goal to improve retention at your institution. Join us in collaborating on how coaching can support our students and communities to move forward together.
About
Check out what our students had to say on this podcast and in this article!
The 2025 Florida State University College Life Coaching Institute will take place in Tallahassee, on June 11th - 13th, 2025 at the Turnbull Conference Center.
To sign up for the Listserv and receive updates, please email us at ugs-collegelifecoaching@fsu.edu
What is College Life Coaching?
Since 2009, the Florida State University Advising First Center for College Life Coaching has worked with students to define their transition to the collegiate setting, engage in their professional development path and overcome obstacles that may lead to their withdrawal or dismissal. The program, comprised of a seventeen-member team, consistently works with roughly 1,800 students over the course of the academic year to create and implement individual plans linked to academic and personal success. Coaches aim to promote growth and awareness in students so that students can adjust to the college setting while establishing their independence, professional development, and academic expectations. At Florida State, coaching improved the retention rate of first-year populations and second-year first-generation students.
Who can benefit from this Institute?
The FSU College Life Coaching Institute (FSUCLCI) is comprised of two tracks, Garnet and Gold, for those interested in making a positive impact at their institution:
The Garnet Track specifically benefits academic advisors/coaches and other student affairs professionals who would like to incorporate coaching techniques into their practice. This track equips attendees with College Life Coaching skills and a framework to transfer each of these skills into meetings with students. Attendees can expect the following:
- engaging role plays in which participation is expected and encouraged
- scenario-based instruction to navigate complex situations and diverse populations
- an authentic repertoire of useful language to move conversations forward
- advanced tutorials on how to build and strengthen connections with students
- space to share challenges and best practices
The Gold Track is for leaders who work in roles such as program managers, directors, and other university administrators. Gold track is for those who would like to start or grow an existing coaching program. This track covers the essentials of program development, and provides each attendee with a personalized action plan that will help them meet the various longitudinal goals of their institution. Session topics of discussion include
- identifying retention and involvement research
- hiring, supporting and developing coaching team
- certifications, training content and methodologies
- program outcomes and success markers
- discussion panel with administrators
How does the FSUCLCI differ from other conferences and institutes?
The developers of this curriculum are aware that, just like students, everyone has different needs and goals within their profession and their school’s mission. To ensure we meet participants’ needs, the institute contains the following:
- More discussions, as opposed to lectures, to share and learn with others in the field
- Opportunities for participants to ask questions and learn about emerging trends, obstacles, and the future of coaching in higher education
- Skills to build individualized approaches
- Assistance in the development of a plan to implement coaching skills or program structure
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Support from current practitioners and leadership to attain realistic movement beyond the institute
Registration
We are currently finalizing registration dates and windows for the 2025 Institute. If you would like to be on our mailing list for registration openings, notifications, and other dates, please email us at ugs-collegelifecoaching@fsu.edu.
Contact
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by phone or via e-mail:
- 850-645-2847
- ugs-collegelifecoaching@fsu.edu