Success Coaches Bring Great Value to Lakewood College Student Educational Experience

FORT HOOD, Texas - Aug. 17, 2014 - PRLog -- In November of 2013, Lakewood College made the decision to hire Success Coaches in order to increase communication and bridge the gap between instructors and students. The role of a Success Coach is something unique to higher education in which most online colleges and universities do not provide.

The Lakewood College Success Coaches play a vital role in student retention and graduation rates. They act as an advisor, providing educational resources to students including time management planning, study tips, and encouragement to complete their coursework. In addition, these Success Coaches work hard to help students with personal matters such as finding day care centers, support groups, or resources for overcoming personal challenges.

Lakewood College underwent a series of changes that would help students stay on track and graduate on time. Students are now required to complete one graded activity per week to remain in academic good standing. Since the addition of the Success Coaches, students are more engaged in their course and completing assignments on time. Since January of 2014, Lakewood College’s monthly graduation rate has doubled within 6 months, projecting the overall graduation rate to increase by 50% by January 2015.

The Success Coaches have really helped bring to fruition the Lakewood College competitive advantage. Before the position was created, students were less engaged in their course, and less communicative with their instructor and other students. The Success Coaches have helped to build more rapport among students to ensure smooth transition from the registration process, to graduation, and beyond. Lakewood College believes in always providing excellent services to help students attain their career dreams, including job placement assistance for life

Alysia Barraro, a Lakewood College Student Success Coach says, “As a Success Coach I understand that when students choose to continue their education it can be a big decision that often means making sacrifices for the time being because suddenly education becomes ones main priority. Students enrolled in an online program have to self-motivate themselves to progress through their programs. They have to choose to complete assignments, study for tests, and stay actively engaged in their program, all the while having to figure out the best way to divide their time between the program, their family, friends, and perhaps even work. It is my role to ensure that students are being provided the fundamental tools they need in order to be successful in their program. I reach out to my students who are in need of time-managements skills, eliminating procrastination, and help enhance their study skills. My main goal is to consistently provide student with support and encouragement letting them know they have the ability to finish their program. I help them visualize the big picture on what it would mean for their lives by finishing their program. This in turn has translated to students finishing their program at a faster pace, earning top scores on assignments and exams, and graduating with the knowledge they need in order to become employable in the career of their choice.”

For more information about Lakewood College and visit www.lakewoodcollege.edu.