Abertay+ Student Success Coaching

Your success matters

Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Whether you're adjusting to a new environment, managing your studies alongside work or caring responsibilities , building confidence, or simply trying to find your place at university, you do not have to do it alone.

The Abertay+ Scheme has been created to help you maximise your potential and achieve your personal, academic and professional goals. The scheme combines individual coaching, group activities, and personalised development opportunities designed to help you succeed and thrive during your time at Abertay.

Abertay students who previously engaged with coaching frequently report increased confidence, stronger motivation, improved engagement with their studies, and a greater sense that they belong at university.

What is Student Success Coaching?

Student Success Coaching is a personalised support service that focuses on you. It is built around developing your agency, capacity, confidence, engagement, skills and self-care.

Your Student Success Coach will work alongside you to help you:

·         Set realistic and achievable goals

·         Develop strategies for academic success

·         Build confidence and self-belief

·         Manage competing commitments and responsibilities

·         Improve organisation, time management and study habits

·         Stay motivated and engaged with your studies

·         Navigate university systems and support services

·         Develop a stronger sense of belonging within the university community

Student Success Coaching is not counselling, mentoring or academic advising. Instead, it is a collaborative partnership focused on helping you identify your strengths, overcome barriers, and take positive steps towards achieving your goals.

How does it work?

At Abertay, we recognise that everyone who starts university has different experiences, strengths and challenges. The Student Success Coaching service is built on the belief that success looks different for everyone.

Those participating in the Abertay+ Scheme are matched with a dedicated Student Success Coach who provides regular one-to-one coaching sessions throughout the academic year. Coaching sessions will be relaxed, confidential and entirely student led. You can choose when and where you participate in a coaching conversation.

During coaching sessions, discussion is open and student led. This could include:

·         Settling into university life

·         Managing assessments and deadlines

·         Building study skills

·         Confidence and motivation

·         Balancing study, work and family commitments

·         Future career aspirations

·         Personal development goals

Student Success Coaches work closely with other university services to ensure you receive the right support when you need it. This may include connecting you with:

·         Academic Advisors

·         Learner Development Service

·         Student Advisory Services

·         Careers Service

·         Counselling and Mental Health Services

·         Student Success Officers

·         Abertay Students' Association

·         The Support Enquiry Zone (SEZ)

Together, you and your coach will create a success plan that reflects your individual circumstances, priorities and ambitions. Alongside these meetings, you will have opportunities to take part in workshops, group activities and development opportunities that complement your studies.

Ready to get started?

If coaching is included as part of your offer of enrolment, you will be expected to engage with your Student Success Coach, attend scheduled coaching sessions, and participate in agreed activities throughout the academic year. Through a partnership approach, your Student Success Coach will work with you to build confidence, develop strategies for success, connect you with relevant support services, and help you get the most from your Abertay experience. If you are expected to engage with Student Success Coaching, a member of the coaching team will be in touch with you directly.

If you would like to learn more about Student Success Coaching or discuss whether the service might be right for you, please get in touch with the Student Success Coaching Team by emailing mysuccess@abertay.ac.uk.