Peer Academic Coaching
Not sure how to juggle all the deadlines ahead? Are you thinking you might make better use of your study time? Want some tips for tackling tests?
Peer Academic Coaches (PAC), a collaboration between Supplemental Learning and the Writing Centre, offers students the opportunity to have a one-to-one session with another student who has both experienced success and also has an awareness of what it’s like to struggle academically.
Experienced SL Leaders or Tutors can provide students with individualized strategies and resources on a range of academic challenges for a variety of disciplines.
Peer Academic Coaches can offer support with time management, goal-setting, study strategies, giving presentations, note-taking, test-taking and dealing with exam anxiety.
How to book
Appointments may be booked through the website on the Peer Academic Coaches schedule, or visit the Writing Centre to get help with booking an appointment.
Where
Sessions will typically take place in the Writing Centre (OM 1411) or online.
Sessions
Students are invited to book a 45-minute session with a Peer Academic Coach, four times per semester. For additional support, the Coaches are knowledgeable about other student services, and may connect students to resources such as STSS courses, Counselling, Accessibility Services, Writing or Math Help Centres.
Meet the Coaches
Manuel
Science (Chemical Biology)
Specialties: Scheduling, Time Management, Study SkillsWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
I enjoy meeting, talking and engaging with new people, and have always had a desire to help those around me. By becoming a Peer Academic Coach, I’ll be able to help my peers succeed in areas in which I am interested and knowledgeable.
I never sit down to study without:
Plenty of snacks, headphones, and a bright space.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.” -Albert Einstein
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
There is no competition for the highest grade in a class. It’s important to work alongside your peers to progress and fulfill your academic goals together in a positive environment.
Olivia
Science (CMMB focus), Graduate Studies
Specialties: Organization, Time ManagementWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
I became an SL Leader because I enjoy interactive learning, and I know I have the capacity to help my peers succeed.
I never sit down to study without:
Sticky notes, a coffee, and music.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Don’t let a bad five minutes become a bad day.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
I wish I’d realized that the other first years were just as nervous as I was; no one else knew exactly what they were doing either.
Paige
Science (Math & Physics)
Presley
Biology
Alivia
Science
Specialties: Time Management, Study Skills, Exam PreparationWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
The mentoring I’ve received from leaders was really helpful to my success at school. I can relate to someone having challenges with courses and I thought being a Peer Academic Coach would be a good way to help others struggling.
I never go to class without:
Being prepared with any assignments or readings given prior.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Even though sometimes you feel like you’re struggling, never give up on something that’s really important to you.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
Never be afraid to ask for help. Others are there to help you succeed and there’s so much support available at TRU if you are struggling.
Ella
Chemistry
Erin
Chemistry
Hasumi
Chemistry & Biology
Disha
Science (Biology)
Specialities: Procrastination, Study & Memorization Skills, Exam Preparation
Maggie
Arts and Sciences (Technical Theatre/Biology)
Specialties: Big Picture Views, Study Skills, Test PreparationWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
I was drawn to be a PAC because I love working through challenges in SL and I'm super excited to apply those skills in a different context with a more varied group of people!
I never sit down to study without:
My Pilot G-Tec C4 pen.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
To try what I’m interested in, because I’ll never be too old to start over.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
How important finding profs who were passionate about what (and how) they taught would be, and how important it is to actually take notes in lecture.
Michelle
Arts (Philosophy), Graduate Studies
Specialties: Time Management, Organization, Big Picture ViewsWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
Peer Academic sessions helped me so much, not just with the class I was taking, but with general studying, that I wanted to be part of sharing that experience with others.
I never go to class without:
Water!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
Anything is possible. You just have to want it enough.
Esperanza
Business (Education)
Specialties: Study Skills, Time Management, Balancing Spanish and EnglishWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
Attending SL sessions showed me the positive impact that studying collaboratively can have. I became an SL leader to help create an environment that promotes collaboration and helps other students succeed.
I never go to class without:
Previously reading about the content that will be viewed in class. Going to class with an understanding of what the professor will lecture on and with specific questions of that content makes the learning more efficient.
Best advice I’ve ever received:
The key to success is consistency.
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
The most important skills to have in university are time management and organization. These help us to balance life and avoid stressful situations.
My academic “a-ha moment”:
I mostly struggled with learning the terminology in Accounting. I realized that making flashcards and practicing with them can be really helpful.
Nikki
Business (Accounting)
Andrew
Philosophy
Specialties: Time Management, Study Skills, PrioritizationWhat drew me to become a Peer Academic Coach?
As someone who as struggled as a student, the opportunity to help other students is extremely gratifying!
I never go to class without:
My iPad!
Best advice I’ve ever received:
"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts." – Marcus Aurelius
What I wish I’d known on the first day of university:
How many different support avenues TRU provides!
My academic “a-ha moment”:
There are many different effective ways to study, it’s a matter of consistently applying yourself and trying out what works for you.
Cheltey
Nursing
Tionna
Social Work & Arts
