More than anything, people need to know that they have somebody like a success coach; someone who cares about their success as much as they themselves do.”
Advising and support is customized to meet individual student needs
Coached students see an increase in grade point averages
Coaches help students find the right classes and stay on-track
Total Support Throughout Your College Journey
Imagine having a coach! A supporter and guide who is there to navigate the academic terrain with you. This is what you get at UCF with Academic Success Coaching. No matter your major, you will have an assigned Academic Success Coach who will get to know you, and who will support you in reaching your academic and non-academic goals.
If you are familiar with academic advising, we have taken that up a notch! Your Academic Success Coach will be your academic advisor, but also so much more. Every undergraduate student will have an assigned Academic Success Coach. Your coach will work with you during your initial coaching session to get to know you and your academic and career goals, and will then design with you a plan for success. Then, during your routine coaching sessions, your assigned coach will help you to set goals, create realistic success strategies, and monitor your success during your time at UCF. Your life is more than just academics, and your coach wants to get to know you, and how your academic goals balance with your other life priorities.
Personalized Advising
Tailored Academic Success Coaching for Each Undergraduate Program
Each undergraduate program at UCF boasts its unique aspects, challenges and opportunities. The academic success coaching approach is perfectly tailored to address the specific needs of each discipline. Whether you’re diving into the world of engineering, exploring the creative realms of the arts or unearthing the past in history, academic success coaches are equipped to guide you. They understand the nuances of your major and align their coaching to ensure that you make informed decisions best suited for your academic and career objectives. They specialize in guiding you through course selection, internships, research opportunities and career planning. Imagine having a roadmap created just for you, complete with all the academic landmarks you’ll want to visit before you graduate. That’s exactly what you get with a UCF academic success coach.
Collaborative Strategies for Success Across a Diverse Student Population
At UCF, we celebrate the diversity of our student population, and recognize that each individual brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the university. Your dedicated Academic Success Coach will employ collaborative strategies that honor your unique story, and will work to outline with you a route to success that resonates with your personal goals and academic ambitions.
Alongside other campus supports, like Academic Advocacy, PeerKnights mentors, faculty, and professional staff, your coach will utilize a holistic, care management approach to co-design with you a tailored success strategy to help you thrive at UCF and beyond.
Comprehensive Guidance from Admission to Graduation
From the moment you set foot on campus, UCF is committed to your success. Comprehensive guidance from admission to graduation means you’re never alone in your academic journey. Advisors are by your side from orientation through to the cap and gown, helping you navigate university policies, choose the right courses, and connect with valuable campus resources. They’re invested in your goals, your grades, your growth, and yes, your graduation day. Consider your UCF coach your partner in planning, your advocate in academia, and your guide to graduation.
Non-Academic Assistance Tailored to Individual Needs
Recognizing that challenges outside the classroom can impact academic performance, UCF advisors also offer non-academic assistance tailored to individual needs. They can connect you with resources for financial aid concerns, housing issues, health and wellness services and more. Your success coaches are there as a holistic support system, guiding you towards the right resources so that you can stay focused on your studies and maintain a well-balanced college experience.
Unleash Your Potential
UCF Academic Success Coaching delivers tailored guidance and comprehensive support throughout your academic adventure.
- Personalized guidance from UCF experts
- Comprehensive advice and coaching from admission to graduation
- Tailored and holistic designing of success strategies and action plans
- Advice on degree planning, course selection, internships and careers
- Ongoing advising and coaching support with both academic and non-academic challenges
Meet Your Dedicated Academic Success Coaches
Ready to meet the champions of your academic game plan? At UCF, you have access to a dedicated team of Academic Success Coaches who are more than advisors — they’re enablers of your potential. Each coach is equipped with the knowledge and tools to assist you with a diverse range of academic and career queries. Think of them as your personal guide, here to help you make informed decisions, boost your academic skills and even tackle non-academic hurdles that may impact your studies. Whether you prefer face-to-face sessions, phone calls, or videoconferencing, your academic success coach is ready and eager to meet you where you are.
Katherine Michelle Taboada
Biography
I joined UCF in 2023, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences to my role. I love being my students’ copilot and cheerleader, providing tailored support, and helping them develop a growth mindset. My approach includes encouraging extracurricular engagement and using UCF’s resources to boost the individual success of each student.
Before joining UCF, I was a Bilingual Elementary Teacher and worked in marketing, sales, and acquisitions in various industries. I also ran my own film distribution company, KMT Global Films, traveling to film festivals like Cannes and Berlin. I hold a Bachelor’s in Marketing and International Business from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s in Entertainment Management from the University of Melbourne.
As a proud Latina from Colombia, I love traveling and have visited over 40 countries. On weekends, you’ll find me at Cocoa Beach with my husband and our two Corgi puppies.
How Does It Work?
A Comprehensive Support Structure
With a network of support staff spread across various colleges and departments, you now have more touch-points for assistance and guidance. Your assigned Academic Success Coach knows and works collaboratively with all campus supports, and will help you to access them for the right reason reasons and at the right time. Right student, right support, right time.
Leveraging Technology for Efficient Student Engagement
In this digital era, technology is key to keeping you connected, informed, and on track. UCF harnesses the latest tech to make sure that engaging with your Academic Success Coach is seamless and efficient. By leveraging platforms like myKnightSTAR, you can schedule appointments, access personalized resources, and keep a tab on your academic progress with just a few clicks. UCF’s technologically-advanced approach means you can stay engaged with your advisors and your education, whether you’re on campus, at home, or on the move.
Constant Training and Development for Success Coaches
UCF takes pride in the expertise and effectiveness of their Academic Success Coaches. This is why we invest heavily in the training and development of their coaching staff. With a rigorous program that includes ongoing professional development, coaches are equipped with cutting-edge practices in advising, mentoring and student development. They are trained not just in academic matters, but in holistic student support—ensuring they can help you tackle any barrier to your success, both inside and outside the classroom.
Begin Your Journey to Success
No matter where you’re starting or which program you’ve chosen, UCF is dedicated to propelling you towards success. The academic success coaching program is designed to adapt to your individual needs, ensuring that your educational journey is rewarding and aligned with your aspirations. So why wait? Start your journey to success today, and let UCF’s network of support be your guide to achieving greatness.