Academic Coaching
Academic Coaching
Peer Academic Coaching
In keeping with its mission to promote the academic success, personal development, and mental and physical well-being of all students, the Deans’ Office for Advising and Support offers Peer Academic Coaching.
Supervised and trained by the Program Coordinator and Academic Coach, Peer Academic Coaches hold a series of one-on-one sessions for any student at Barnard who is struggling to manage their academic responsibilities, to set and achieve their goals, and to meet the demands of college life. Peer Academic Coaches provide individual assistance in time management, executive function, motivation, utilizing campus resources, general wellness, and other strategies for success. They create a space in which a student can reflect on academic concerns and perceived barriers to success, and they serve as a source of accountability and encouragement. Peer coaches provide students with semester-long academic support in areas such as time management, procrastination, test preparation, and note taking and reading/writing strategies. They work individually with students to assess their strengths and needs and to reflect on their motivation, values and goals. They support students in devising a personalized plan of action, and assist them as they pursue it over the course of an academic term.
Students interested in academic coaching must commit to meeting for a minimum of six times, on a weekly basis, with a peer academic coach. For more information about peer academic coaching, make an appointment with Academic Coach Allie Johnston.
Meet the Academic Coach
Allie Johnston, Program Coordinator and Academic Coach
I was born and raised in Grand Junction, Colorado, then received my bachelor’s degrees in psychology and humanistic studies from Saint Mary’s College, a fellow women’s college in the midwest. I was very involved in this community, mainly as an RA my junior and senior year. After graduation in 2019, I worked with children in mental health and educational capacities. I began to reflect on my time as an RA, and discovered that working in the higher education field was a perfect blend of all my passions and interests. In 2021 I made the move to New York City to earn a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from NYU. Over the course of my studies, I worked in residence life and academic advising roles. I deeply care about mental health advocacy and believe that holistic support helps students succeed not only in academics, but also in life. In my free time, you can find me exploring new restaurants and vintage shops around the city, playing tennis, and spending quality time with loved ones. I am thrilled to be joining the Barnard community, and can’t wait to learn from and with these amazing students!
Meet the Peer Academic Coaches
Nicole Chang, Class of 2025
My name is Nicole Chang, I'm an international student from Brazil and Taiwan, and I am currently studying Human Rights and Education. During my free time, I like to read, cook, and do pilates. I like being a peer coach because it has allowed me to help my peers unlock their full potential and overcome any challenges.
Teisha Jalan, Class of 2025
Hi! My name is Teisha, I'm a psychology and education studies double major. As an international student from Mumbai, I found that I had to develop a few different study methods to best work with the style of curriculums here and it made me want to help other students do the same. I enjoy being able to find new methods to efficiently study and know from my own experience how hard it can be to start studying when it is not something that comes naturally to you. Apart from this, I enjoy reading, drawing, anime, and playing games when I have some free time!
Support Groups and Workshops
Senior Thesis Support Group
The Senior Thesis Support Group meets every other week during the Spring 2024 term, and aims to help seniors feel less stressed and more confident in their work. Come for helpful tips, moral support from your peers, and dedicated time for writing. Academic Coach Allie Johnston leads the sessions and members from the Barnard community will appear as special guests to give advice and cheer you on. Snacks, drinks and prizes will also be provided.
Barnard Basics: Strategies for Success
Academic Coach, Allie Johnston, presents on academic coaching for incoming first year and new transfer students. She provides strategies and resources that help with goal setting, time management, and general wellness. You can find the full webinar on Barnard’s Youtube channel.