Academic Coaching

Frequently Asked Questions

Students set the pace and focus of a coaching session. Initial meetings are 45 minutes long. Although remote appointments are available, we recommend meeting in person for the first meeting. By the end of the session, students will have a clear picture of an academic goal they are working towards, and at least one strategy to implement. Follow up sessions are 30 minutes long and can be in person or virtual. They are an opportunity to refine the target skill, implement it in new situations, or try another approach.  In practice, this can mean trying out different time management systems, notetaking techniques, study habits, or bringing in assignments to talk through problem-solving strategies.

Students can meet with any of our academic support staff. Depending on the type of skills you are interested in developing, it might make sense to meet with an Academic Specialist based on their subject expertise. Read more about our team here: 

Jean-Baptiste (JB) studied neuroscience, Japanese, and psycholinguistics as an undergraduate, then earned a Master of Teaching with a research interest in language learning and educational outcomes, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. He has taught K-12 Science and undergraduate English. In his free time, he’s often writing or reading mind-bending speculative fiction, watching something spooky through the cracks between his fingers, or playing with his pets. 

JB Andre is an Academic Specialist in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. 
Book An Appointment with JB 

Doreen studied Organismal Biology as an undergraduate and focused on evolutionary and behavioral ecology for her master’s degree, before earning a Ph.D. in Biology. She has experience teaching high school and biology at the university level. When not working with students, she enjoys practicing yoga, Latin dancing, and trying new vegetarian-friendly restaurants. 

Doreen Cabrera is an Academic Specialist in the Biological and Physical Sciences. 
Book An Appointment with Doreen 

Alyssa joined the College in 2021 as an Academic Advisor after advancing to candidacy in her doctoral program, where her research focuses on modern art and the history of photography. She brings a decade of experience working at the intersection of student support, liberal arts pedagogy, and arts-based research. She is available to consult with students on topics including approaches to learning, information literacies, managing longer-term research projects, and cultivating a growth mindset. 

Alyssa Bralower is the Assistant Director of Academic Support Services. 
Book an Appointment with Alyssa 

If you are still unsure or don’t have a preference, we recommend booking an appointment that best fits your schedule. 

Academic advisors support students as they develop individualized paths through the curriculum, allowing students to meet their academic, personal, and professional goals. Academic advisers serve as a primary point of contact, working in collaboration with faculty, campus partners, and other resources to support students' academic success. Learn more about Advising here. 

Academic Support Specialists work collaboratively with students to identify and practice learning strategies to help them achieve academic success as the students define it. Feel like you’d like extra help but you’re not sure you’re in the right place? Academic Advisors and Academic Support Specialists work closely together to make sure students are connected to the right resource. Students often make use of many resources at once while in the college. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

College Core Tutors are specific to a course and are available to help with specific content questions from week 3 through finals week, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. This is a drop-in service with peers in a collaborative setting. Learn more about the Core Tutors here. 

College Core Writing Tutors are available by appointment to help students through all steps of the writing process. Appointments are primarily for1st and 2nd year students in the Fall and Winter Quarters, and all students are welcome to book in Spring Quarter. Learn more about the Core Writing Tutors here. 

Academic Support Specialists help students develop transferrable academic skills focused on the skillset or subject material of interest to the student. 
 

You might get an invite or referral if you’ve talked with your instructor or advisor about getting additional academic support, but meetings are entirely voluntary.  

Consider this your invitation! Appointments are open to all students in the College. Book an appointment here.

In general, we recommend bringing the following materials: 

For meetings related to a class, subject, or type of work, bring your computer,  relevant readings/assignments, and class notes. 

For meetings related to general organization and time management, bring your calendar, planner (or however you stay organized), and class syllabi. 

If you are unsure of how best to prepare, please email use at casso@uchicago.edu, or email the Academic Support Specialist you are meeting with directly.

Sessions must be booked one at time. At the end of a session, students are invited to follow up at a frequency that makes the most sense for them (usually once a week or once every two weeks). Some students might just want to meet once a quarter!

Please email casso@uchicago.edu and let us know when you’d like to meet and what you’d like to discuss. A member of our team will reach out to set up an appointment that works!

In situations where students may need to book an initial appointment as an online appointment, please contact us at casso@uchicago.edu

Academic coaching is open to all college students for free!

Questions, concerns, and/or feedback can be sent to Alyssa Bralower, Assistant Director of Academic Support Services at casso@uchicago.edu.