Transition Coaching at UIC
UIC Transition Coaching aims to promote undergraduate student access, engagement, persistence, and graduation for students matriculating and currently enrolled at UIC.
Through evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies – including the cultivation of supportive relationships, advocacy, workshop facilitation, and referrals - our goal is for students to gain the necessary skills to reach optimal success in their first year at UIC through graduation.
Professional Transition Coaches provide direct service to students mostly in the areas of transition into the university, educational planning, goal setting, navigating university systems, referral to other university resources, emotional support, building community, and career-related objectives.
The coaching model is based on the “Advising as Coaching” model founded through NACADA . This model is driven by questions that encourage students to take responsibility for the process of developing, refining, and engaging in their own decision-making and planning activities that also include preparation for academic advising and degree planning.
Transition Coaching at UIC Heading link
Coaching Offered through First-Year Initiatives Heading link
UIC uniquely employs Transition Coaches, who believe in asset-based coaching in order to foster a positive growth mindset for students. Transition Coaches strive to empower students to become their own best advocates and informed decision makers throughout their college career.
HS COACHING
UIC Transition Coaches work in a number of Chicagoland high schools, including the Chicago Public Schools and the Noble Charter Network, to help prepare students for their post-secondary journey. Coaches provide a broad range of support intentionally designed to help students navigate the college landscape.
Ahead of college, coaches offer support in the following areas:
- College match and fit
- College application review
- FAFSA completion assistance; award letter review
- UIC admissions checklist review and support
- UIC Summer College consultation
Transition Coaches will continue to support students not only through their first year, but throughout their academic career at UIC. Students will work with a professional transition coach throughout the academic year in order to promote and refer on-campus resources as well as further develop and enhance skills pertinent to academic success. Importantly, students will have direct access to their coaches at any time.
FLN
The OFYI’s Flames Leadership Network (FLN) is designed, and demonstrated by research, to improve students’ college persistence and success, with an overall vision of eliminating achievement gaps and preparing students for rewarding careers.
FLN takes a holistic, asset-based approach to empower students to reach their potential and achieve self-sufficiency in taking advantage of opportunities at UIC and beyond.
FLN includes: regular one-on-one meetings with a dedicated coach for tailored support and skill building, career advisor for major and career exploration, and academic advisor to ensure students are making progress to their degrees; support in procuring on-campus employment; monthly academic enrichment workshops; and financial assistance ($200/semester).