three students looking at assignment on top of a desk

Student Success Coaching is a resource for non-degree seeking students who want to explore different ways to engage academically while continuing to thrive in other areas of their lives. 

To receive coaching, Harvard Extension School (HES) non-degree seeking students must be currently registered and attending class.  

How Can A Student Success Coach Help You?  

It is important for non-degree seeking students to have a meaningful understanding of why they are taking courses at HES and to think through how the courses will impact their life. Before meeting with a Student Success Coach, non-degree seeking students can identify a core area they would like to work on.  

Non-degree seeking students can choose from topics such as:  

  • Study strategies for the course they are currently enrolled in. 
  • Tools and strategies for navigating the complexities of learning and working.   
  • Developing and implementing accountability structures to meet course goals.   

Once you select the area you would like to focus on, then you can then select a time to meet with a student success coach. During the coaching consultation, you can share more details about what you would like to work on. You may share what has worked in the past and what is not currently working. Together you and your coach will set a goal for the semester and map out a plan. Often non-degree seeking students will be encouraged to engage with other campus resources and add accountability structures throughout the semester.  

How Does Student Success Coaching Work?  

Before meeting with a Student Success Coach, non-degree seeking students can identify an area they would like to set a goal around and work towards during the semester. 

Student Success Coaches provide a wide range of support, including but not limited to: 

  • Clarifying goals and mapping out reasonable steps to meet them.  
  • Working with students on academic skills, study strategies, and using course resources.  
  • Getting organized and starting work. 

*Note: Student Success Coaching is not academic tutoring (coaches are not subject experts), academic advising or clinical counseling​.

How Do I Sign Up For Student Success Coaching?  

To request a 1:1 appointment with a coach, please click the following link: Book a Student Success Coaching Appointment. Please note that coaching is available by appointment only Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm. ET. If there are no avalible appointments please email: osa-studentsuccess@fas.harvard.edu.

*Note: Enrolled degree candidates at the Harvard Extension School are eligible for free Academic Coaching at the Academic Resource Center (ARC).  Harvard Extension School admitted ALB and ALM degree candidates and Pre-medical Program participants should complete an ARC referral form and send it to Sue Albrigo for additional guidance.

What Are Student Success Coaching Expectations?

Student Success Coaching Student Guidelines and Policies 

Non-degree seeking students seeking coaching are responsible for understanding and adhering to the following guidelines and policies: 

Student Responsibilities: 

  • Students must be currently enrolled and attending a Harvard Extension School course.  
  • Students must be actively engaging with their course which includes using recommended course resources, accessing the course syllabus throughout the week, course Canvas page and websites. 
  • To help their student success coach determine the focus for their consultation, students are expected to come prepared with materials, such as course syllabi, calendars, or current organization systems.  
  • Students must arrive on time for their appointment. If a student arrives late or misses the appointment, coaches may be unable to make up for the missed time.  

Student Success Coaching Appointment Limits 

Harvard Extension School non-degree seeking students currently enrolled in a course may sign up for one 30-minute, one-to-one Student Success Coaching consultation each week with a limit of 3 sessions per semester. The week is defined as Monday to Friday.  

Late and Cancellation Policy 

If a student needs to cancel an appointment, they must notify their coach at least 24 hours prior to the appointment start time. Students are considered late when they arrive five minutes or more after the start of the session with no communication. Students who miss three scheduled appointments (either by not showing up or by cancelling with less than 24 hours’ notice) may lose access to participating in the Student Success Coaching for the remainder of the term and must consult with the Director of Student Success and Support. 

*Please note: Enrolled degree candidates at the Harvard Extension School are eligible for free Academic Coaching at the Academic Resource Center (ARC).  Harvard Extension School admitted ALB and ALM degree candidates and Pre-medical Program participants should complete an ARC referral form and send it to Sue Albrigo for additional guidance.

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) is committed to providing an accessible academic community. The Accessibility Services Office (ASO) is responsible for providing accommodations to students with disabilities.