Creating an Integrated Coaching Culture in Higher Education

Area of Science:

• Higher Education
• Student Support Services
• Academic Coaching

Background:

• Higher education institutions face pressure to improve student services with limited resources.
• Academic coaching demonstrates efficacy in boosting self-efficacy, GPA, and retention rates.
• The University of Kentucky sought to scale its academic coaching program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand the impact of academic coaching by fostering a campus-wide coaching culture.
• To implement a modified coaching framework for holistic student, faculty, and staff support.
• To integrate coaching principles into daily practices across campus.

Main Methods:

• Modified the Appreciative Academic Coaching framework into Integrated Success Coaching in 2020.
• Developed a two-pronged approach: (a) training certified coaches in six domains for direct student service, and (b) training faculty and staff in foundational coaching skills.
• Focused on academic life, career, finances, wellness, leadership, and identity.

Main Results:

• Achieved holistic support for students through direct coaching services.
• Facilitated immersive coaching values and practices among faculty, staff, and student leaders.
• Observed improved retention and GPA outcomes for students on probation.

Conclusions:

• The Integrated Success Coaching model effectively promotes a culture of care and enhances student academic outcomes.
• Cross-campus training in coaching skills fosters a supportive environment for all stakeholders.
• This model offers a scalable solution for improving student success in higher education.