Virginia Tech offers a variety of valuable resources for students to utilize: Cook Counseling Center, advisors, tutors, and the Writing Center are just a few examples of the help that is available for those in need of academic aid. However, students with disabilities often face additional challenges. Many of these students also have to struggle with ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, neurological and/or psychological issues, along with the usual rigorous course load.

Robyn Hudson coaches an SSD student

Last year, the Services for Students with Disabilities Office hired Robyn Hudson to serve as an Academic Coach for eligible students with disabilities.

What is an Academic Coach?
Robyn defines an academic coach as a “facilitator who helps the individual identify goals, problems, solutions and who helps them stay focused and on track”.

Robyn has three initial objectives for coaching:

• Increase the retention of students with disabilities
• Increase student awareness of use of strategies for academic and personal success
• Enhance the student’s ability to effectively use resources on and off campus

The Importance of Time Management
Time management is a crucial part of academic coaching and is the first issue to be addressed. “I believe that time management is the foundation for success,” Robyn says. “When they are in control of their lives, they can accomplish anything they want.” .

Tutoring versus Coaching
Academic coaching trains the student to develop new skills and strategies for reading comprehension, note-taking, studying and organization and is not the same as tutoring.

Instead, Robyn works with students to help them master the fundamentals of test-taking, note-taking, classroom participation, giving speeches, organizing materials and time management. She also acts as a sort of cheerleader, spurring students on to reach attainable goals. “I try to help students get beyond negative thought processes and eliminate low expectations. I try to avoid the blame game and move from focusing on the disability as a deficit to looking at capabilities. It is more about solving problems, not focusing on mistakes.”

Students are held Accountable
Accountability is a crucial component in the coach-student dynamic. While Robyn might help them in the decision-making process, never will she make their decisions for them. In return, Robyn also stays current and knowledgeable about any concerns the student may have. By staying well-informed on any current issues a student may have, students have more confidence in Robyn’s abilities and are more likely to confide any concerns they may have.

Measuring Success
While the range of success varies between students, progress is expected and measured. Robyn likes to see growth in three areas:

1. Outcomes
   The student shows improvement in grades.
2. Skills
   The student develosp new habits and learn strategies for success.
3. Student Perception
   How does the student feel about their abilities and progress?

Academic coaching assists in setting goals, providing motivation, and fine tuning skills that are necessary to enhance the academic efforts of each student. In order to receive academic coaching services, a student must have a documented disability and be a registered SSD student. For more information on the academic coaching program, contact Robyn Hudson.