Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

What is coaching?

Coaching provides personalized support to help students achieve their goals and overcome challenges. This may include creating a study plan, accessing PCC resources, developing time management skills, getting help understanding the D2L Brightspace class structure, or anything else the student may need support with.

Sessions offer a safe space for students to discuss their goals and any barriers they may be facing. Students can meet with a coach for one session or schedule multiple sessions throughout the term.

Don’t see a time to meet that works with your schedule? Email OL-Coaching@pcc.edu to arrange a time that works for you!

Why would a student want or need a coach?

Any student, regardless of academic progress, can benefit from speaking with a coach. The coaching program aims to empower students in their academic, personal, and professional goals. Coaches can help students feel connected to the college, assisting students in navigating PCC, and supporting students in their classes. The coach’s purpose is to find useful strategies that give a student the confidence necessary to achieve their goals, even beyond their time at PCC.

How do students become connected with a coach?

Students and staff can complete the Online Learning Success Coaching Interest & Referral Form. For questions, please reach out to OL-Coaching@pcc.edu.

During a coaching session, what should a student expect?

In an initial coaching session, students will meet with the coach on Zoom or a phone call. The coach will ask introductory questions to understand the student’s priorities, needs, and determine what they would like help with.

If a student is unsure of their needs, the coach will help them recognize strength and growth areas. Each session is personalized, allowing the student to address their most pressing concerns, as well as set goals.

What topics might a student discuss with a coach?

Whatever you’d like! Each student is unique, and what they may need assistance with will vary.

Students can discuss a range of topics with a coach, such as finding motivation, test taking strategies, balancing personal life, work, and school, finding a community, and more. We are also a great connecting point to other PCC support services.

Note: Coaches are mandatory reporters and must adhere to mandatory reporting guidelines.

How can a student prepare for their first coaching session?

Students can prepare a few questions for the coach, make sure they have a way to take notes, and come with an open mind. Make sure to log in to MyPCC for easy reference during the session. If meeting on Zoom, ensure a stable internet connection and that Zoom is updated prior to joining.

How often does a student meet with a coach?

This varies from student to student depending on their individual needs. Some students may only need to meet with a coach once, while others may want to meet with a coach weekly. It is entirely up to a student when they would like to start and stop speaking with a coach. There is no timeline expected from a student.

How is coaching different from advising and counseling?

Coaches walk alongside students during an academic term to support and guide them in achieving their goals. With a coach, students can explore study strategies, time management skills, access PCC resources, and more. Coaches are also a great support for student accountability. The coach and student will have direct contact via email or phone.

Advisors are the experts in a student’s course schedule, their graduation plan, degree requirements, and they help students take the steps necessary to achieve their goals. Advisors and coaches work together to ensure that students are receiving the support they need to achieve their goals. Learn more about advising at PCC.

Counselors (also called therapists) are available to students needing professional support related to emotional or mental distress, such as stress management, times of crisis, and/or mental wellbeing. Coaches are happy to help connect a student with a counselor as needed. Learn more about counseling at PCC.

Note: Coaches are mandatory reporters and must adhere to mandatory reporting guidelines.

How does a student cancel/reschedule a coaching session?

Students can cancel/reschedule their session by emailing the coach or canceling the appointment through the YouCanBookMe confirmation email sent to them after scheduling.

What happens if a student doesn’t schedule a meeting with a coach?

Advisor Referral: If the student was referred by their advisor, the coach will contact the student over email and phone to schedule an appointment. If the student doesn’t schedule an appointment after three attempts made by the coach, the coach will no longer contact the student. If at any time the student decides they want coaching, they can reach out to the coach.

Emailed Link to Schedule an Appointment: If the student was emailed the link to schedule an appointment with a coach and decides not to schedule, there are no consequences for not scheduling. If at any time the student decides they want coaching, they can reach out to the coach or use the link to schedule an appointment.

What if a student ends coaching and decides they need to return to coaching services?

There is no limit to the number of times a student can return to coaching services. They can contact the coach via email, complete the Online Learning Success Coaching Interest & Referral Form, or use the coach’s scheduling link to book an appointment. Academic, professional, or personal pursuits often develop over time.

If a student scheduled an appointment with a coach and didn’t attend, what would happen?

While we prefer communication ahead of time, we recognize that life happens! When a student does not show up for their scheduled sessions, the coach would reach out to the student two separate times.

The first attempt is through email. The second attempt is a phone call, and the coach may leave a voicemail. If after both attempts from a coach have occurred with no response from a student, then it becomes the responsibility of the student to reach out to the coach should they need/want a session.

There is no penalty to the student if they do not respond within the two attempts, and they are welcome to schedule another appointment.