Hybrid FWS Student Coach - Fall 2025 at None

Position Summary:  

The Student Coach in the Physiology and Health Department will provide individualized, non-therapeutic guidance and support to students, helping them manage academic, personal, and emotional challenges. The Student Coach will use active listening, empathy, and open-ended questions to help students explore their goals and develop actionable strategies for success. This role supplements traditional academic advising by focusing on the holistic well-being of students, ensuring they receive well-rounded support.

Students this Position Appeals to:  

This position would appeal to students in the BA in Ayurveda Wellness and Integrative Health major, as well as those who are taking the Life and Wellness coaching track, specialization, or minor.

Experience Gained / Advantages for Student:  

1. Development of Leadership and Communication Skills

• Experience Gained: As a Student Coach, students will enhance their leadership abilities by guiding peers through challenges using active listening and empathy. They will also develop advanced communication skills, learning how to ask open-ended questions that promote reflection and personal growth.
• Advantage: These skills are highly transferable to careers in counseling, coaching, management, and leadership roles across various industries, where interpersonal and communication skills are critical for success.

2. Experience in Non-Therapeutic Counseling and Support

• Experience Gained: Student Coaches will gain hands-on experience in offering non-therapeutic emotional and academic support. This experience is valuable for those interested in careers such as life coaching, health and wellness coaching, human resources, and student affairs, where helping others navigate challenges is a central focus.
• Advantage: This practical experience is a strong addition to résumés and can open up job opportunities in education, healthcare, human services, and wellness fields.

3. Enhanced Problem-Solving and Resource Management Skills

• Experience Gained: Student Coaches will develop strong problem-solving skills as they assist peers in navigating academic, emotional, and personal issues. They will also become familiar with campus resources and learn how to connect others to the appropriate support services.
• Advantage: These skills are directly applicable to roles in student support services, academic advising, healthcare administration, and project management, where resource navigation and problem-solving are key to success.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Active Listening and Empathy

• Provide one-on-one guidance sessions to students who need a safe space to talk about their academic, personal, or social goals and challenges. 
• Engage in active listening by focusing on the student’s narrative without judgment, demonstrating empathy, and validating their experiences. 
• The goal is to make students feel heard, understood, and supported in a way that encourages personal reflection and growth.

2. Facilitating Thought-Provoking Conversations

• Guide students toward deeper self-reflection and understanding of their challenges by asking open-ended, thought-provoking questions. 
• Utilize coaching techniques to ask meaningful, open-ended questions that encourage students to think critically about their situations. 
• Ask questions that invite exploration of options, strengths, and potential solutions while keeping the student empowered to decide their path forward.

3. Problem-Solving and Resource Navigation

• Assist students in identifying challenges and resources, helping them develop personalized action plans to address academic or personal issues. 
• Work with students to define their concerns, break down complex problems, and explore available campus resources (e.g., counseling, tutoring, academic advising, student organizations) that match their unique needs. 
• Empower students to make informed decisions and take practical steps toward resolving their concerns.

4. Non-Academic Support

• Offer holistic, non-therapeutic emotional support by providing a consistent, compassionate space for students to express concerns that don’t directly relate to one particular course or academic subject. 
• Serve as a trusted support person, focusing on the student’s overall well-being rather than just course performance. 
• Encourage students to express concerns related to workload, life balance, motivation, or other personal challenges, and help them create strategies for maintaining their well-being.

5. Student Advocacy and Support

• Serve as a liaison between students and relevant campus departments to ensure that student concerns, issues, and needs are heard and addressed. 
• Provide guidance on accessing resources such as financial aid, counseling services, and academic support.

6. Collaboration and Referral

• Collaborate with campus support services and departments to connect students with the appropriate resources for their specific needs. 
• Be knowledgeable about university-wide resources (counseling, academic support, technical support) and build relationships with other departments. 
• Provide appropriate referrals while maintaining follow-up communication to ensure the student’s needs are being met if a student’s needs extend beyond the scope of the coach's support.
  
  

Job Qualifications:

• Academic Excellence and Strong Time Management: Applicants must be in the top 10% of their class, maintaining a GPA of 3.9 or higher, and should demonstrate a strong track record of submitting work on time. This reflects their ability to effectively balance academic responsibilities with life obligations, which is essential in guiding and supporting other students.
• Strong Communication Skills (Active Listening & Open-Ended Questioning): The applicant must have the ability to communicate effectively, particularly in listening to and understanding students' concerns without jumping to conclusions. They should be adept at asking open-ended, thought-provoking questions that encourage students to reflect on their challenges and explore potential solutions.
• Empathy and Compassion: The role requires a high level of emotional intelligence, allowing the applicant to connect with students on a personal level. They should be able to demonstrate empathy, make students feel understood and supported, and foster a safe, non-judgmental environment.
• Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness: Applicants must be able to help students navigate complex challenges, identify actionable steps, and connect them with relevant campus resources. They should be resourceful and knowledgeable about available student support services, offering practical guidance that empowers students to take control of their situations.

Supervisor: Rachel Kunzler

ONLY STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR FEDERAL WORK-STUDY (FWS) MAY APPLY