In 2014, Dalton and Crosby noted that, “colleges and universities have long recognized that helping students to become personally connected and committed early in college is critical to their successful retention and graduation” (Abstract). However, feeling connected to an institution and its academic process can be “especially challenging for new students who must quickly master a wide range of academic, personal, and social adjustments” (Dalton & Crosby, 2014, Abstract).

In a mission to retain students and guide them toward success, Rio Salado College, an online community college based in Arizona, is employing a new tool: Academic Life Coaches. The coaches are part of a program called Avanzar, which means “to advance” in Spanish. The program began in 2024 under a Title V Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

According to Lulu Maldonado, one of the college’s coaches, the approach is personalized and supportive. Coaches reach out via calls, texts, and emails to ensure that students know someone is there for them.

Building the Team

Four Academic Life Coaches are completing International Coaching Federation (ICF) accreditation for life coaching. The ICF Associate Certified Coach credential will improve their skills to build rapport with students and to provide a mix of guidance and resources as students navigate their college journeys. Coaches are also trained in CliftonStrengths and life paths. They provide personalized guidance, resources, and a shoulder to lean on for eligible students.

“We know college can be overwhelming, but with Avanzar, you are not alone,” Academic Life Coach John Bastain said. “We can help students take the next step toward their academic and personal goals.”

The program, which falls under the college’s Student Affairs division, is designed for certificate- or degree-seeking students who meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Pell-eligible
• Student of color
• New to college
• First-generation college student
• 20 years or older

Eligible students are identified by the college and contacted by a coach once they’ve been assigned. Nearly 1,000 Rio Salado students qualified for the program in fall 2024.

Results: Focus on Strengths

Vazyla Menard began attending Rio Salado in fall 2023 after completing high school studies at Arizona Virtual Academy. “When I received the first call from John Bastian I was not in good spirits,” Menard wrote in an email. “I was stressed out and distraught over my current life situation . . . [and] I remember how understanding and engaged Mr. Bastian was.” Menard noted that Bastain provided advice that day that she has integrated into her day-to-day practice:

I have been learning to focus on my strengths and how to apply my attributes to a career or in my daily life. Since working with [Bastain], I have communicated and practiced articulating my thoughts or feelings more efficiently.

Vision Into Reality

Menard’s experience is one reason Program Manager Henry Smith is so excited about this opportunity for students. "I remember when I went to college; I was scared out of my mind," stated Smith, who was also a first-generation college student. "I wish someone had called me and said, 'Hey, I can help you through this.'"

Avanzar was inspired by models like The University of Oklahoma's Academic Life Coaching program and Florida State University's College Life Coaching Centers. Rio Salado College’s Dean of Student Affairs Rachelle Clarke declared,

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Education and our dedicated team, including [Smith] and our Academic Life Coaches, we've turned our vision into reality. Seeing students like Vazyla Menard . . . achieve real progress has been incredible. We’re excited to continue fostering growth and academic success and building a more inclusive and supportive community for all students.

Reference

Dalton, J., & Crosby, P. (2014). The power of personal coaching: Helping first-year students to connect and commit in college. Journal of College and Character, 15, 59-66.

Lead image: Rio Salado College Avanzar coaches work together to help build student success.

Michelle Reese is Communications Manager at Rio Salado College, an online institution based in Arizona.

Opinions expressed in Member Spotlight are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the League for Innovation in the Community College.