What is Peer Success Coaching?
Peer Success Coaching, offered by Academic Continuity & Engagement (ACE), is an individualized support service designed to help undergraduate students succeed at DePaul. Through regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings, Peer Support Coaches work with students to address challenges that may hinder one’s academic and personal success.
During a success session, Peer Support Coaches help students with executive functioning skill development & academic strategies, including goal setting, time management, note-taking, learning & study strategies, identifying CliftonStrengths, and campus resource navigation.
Peer Success Coaching services are provided by ACE in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Student Success.
Contact
ace@depaul.edu for more information or to get connected with a Peer Support Coach.
Program Goals
Students who participate in success coaching will….
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Apply knowledge of executive functioning skills & academic strategies to their academic success.
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Create plans to proactively seek academic and personal support.
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Generate meaningful relationships with others through the experience of connecting with their Peer Support Coach.
Students interested in participating in Peer Success Coaching can contact
ace@depaul.edu or open a case in OneDePaul by selecting Campus Life > Peer Support. Walk-ins are also welcome. Faculty or staff can refer students for Peer Success Coaching by submitting a case through OneDePaul.
An ACE staff member will then contact the student via email inviting them to complete the program intake form. Upon completing the intake form, the student will be matched with a Peer Support Coach who will contact them within a week to introduce themselves and schedule their first success coaching session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Peer Support Coaches are experienced DePaul students who have demonstrated the ability to excel academically and have a passion for helping others succeed.
During the initial success session, your Peer Support Coach will spend some time getting to know about your academic and personal goals. They’ll ask you about what’s working well and where you’d like to improve.
Your Peer Support Coach will work together with you to create a success plan including goals with actions steps to help you in your journey towards success. They’ll conclude the session with a recap of topics discussed and review your next steps.
No, Peer Success Coaching can’t supplement academic advising or tutoring services. Peer Support Coaches can assist with goal setting, time management, note-taking, learning & study strategies, identifying your CliftonStrengths, and campus resource navigation.
Students are encouraged to meet recurringly. Some students benefit from weekly success sessions, while others meet with their Peer Support Coach a few times a quarter.
Meetings are available at the Loop campus, Lincoln Park campus, and online.
Yes, students participating in Peer Success Coaching are assigned a Peer Support Coach who will remain consistent throughout the academic year.
Meet the Coaches
Delaney (she/her)
College: Communication (COMM)
Bio: Delaney (she/her) is a graduate student in the Communication and Media program, with a concentration in Media & Pop Culture Studies. In her spare time, she can be found running, reading, or cooking/baking something delicious. Her favorite thing about Chicago is the varied types of food available. Her goal is to eat a meal from every country in the world without leaving Chicago; she is currently at 35 countries and counting! On campus, she has worked with NSFE’s Chicago Quarter program for the last several years and is also the Research Assistant for DePaul’s annual Pop Culture Conference. What she appreciates about DePaul is that the faculty and staff she has worked with most have helped her to find the perfect balance of support and independence.
Why I became a Peer Support Coach: As someone who wants to work in higher education post-grad, helping students find their own definition of success is extremely important to me. Nobody’s goals look the same, so being able to work with students and give them strategies to define and meet their own unique goals is really special!
A success tip from Delaney: If someone is hoping to improve their academics, I encourage them to reflect on what they’re currently doing that may be preventing them from succeeding. Do they need to redefine their goals? Do they need to address limiting beliefs that are causing them to struggle with procrastination? Starting with self-reflection is the best way to go.
Dilly (she/her)
College: Computing and Digital Media (CDM)
Bio: Dilly (she/her) is a junior majoring in Data Science and minoring in Public Relations and Advertising. In her spare time, you can find her playing pickleball and tennis, jogging at the Riverwalk, cooking and trying out new recipes, and exploring the city. Her favorite thing about Chicago is its incredible diversity, and the opportunity to meet people with unique perspectives from all walks of life. On campus, Dilly is a member of the Data Science Group and the DePaul Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). As a DePaul student, she appreciates the strong sense of community and support, and the university’s commitment to diversity, service, and real-world learning.
Why I became a Peer Support Coach: I know how valuable it is to have someone who not only understands what you’re going through, but listens, supports, and helps you navigate both challenges and opportunities!
A success tip from Dilly: Keep asking yourself what you really want to achieve and then set clear goals based on that. Break those goals down into smaller, manageable steps so they don’t feel overwhelming. And don’t hesitate to ask for support/advice when you need it, from professors, classmates, or by using campus resources like Advisors, the Career Center, or the Writing Center—they can make a big difference.
Lourdes (she/her)
College: Liberal Arts and Social Science (LAS)
Bio: Lourdes (she/her) is a senior majoring in Criminology and minoring in Public Law. One of the things she appreciates most about Chicago is that you can get almost anywhere you need to on public transit. In her spare time, Lourdes enjoys reading, crocheting, and watching shows on Disney+. On campus, she is involved in Bookmark, Students Against Incarceration, and Accessible Futures DePaul. Lourdes’s favorite thing about DePaul are the many cultural events that students can attend—she enjoys learning more about the varied communities on campus and the different cultural customs inherent to those communities.
Why I became a Peer Support Coach: I became a Peer Support Coach to help encourage other students to reach their academic potential. I was helped when I came back to DePaul after a break, and having someone meet me at my own terms really helped me to get back into the groove of things.
A success tip from Lourdes: I’m a visual person, so I like building a time management schedule—mapping out my class schedule, work schedule, doctors’ appointments, and everything else truly helps me figure out what I need to do and how much time I have to do it. I recommend this practice for anyone who is like me.
Rona (she/her)
College: Science and Health (CSH)
Bio: Rona (she/her) is a junior majoring in Actuarial Sciences with a minor in Mathematics. In her free time, she likes listening to music, watching movies/shows, hanging out with her friends, going to new restaurants, trying new recipes, and exploring the city. Her favorite thing about Chicago is how vibrant and diverse it is. At DePaul, Rona is a member of the Black Student Union, African Student Association, Actuarial Science Club, and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). She has also served as part of the Service Day Team under Mission and Ministry. Her favorite things about DePaul are the location, community, and the varied opportunities it has to offer.
Why I became a Peer Support Coach: I became a Peer Support Coach because I saw and understood how important it is to have someone who knows what you are going through in this chapter of your life and can be there to support you without judgment. Providing a place for someone to feel heard and validated while also building confidence in their own abilities is a reason I was drawn to this role.
A success tip from Rona: Although it might be intimidating at first, asking for help and reaching out to your professors before things get too hectic goes a long way. Also, understanding yourself and knowing what works best for you will help you balance your responsibilities and manage your time better, improving your academic performance.
Steph (she/her)
College: Communication (COMM)
Bio: Steph (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Psychology. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Chicago and trying out different cafes (especially cat cafes!) and new matcha/coffee drinks, taking walks around the lake, and being outside/in nature. At DePaul, she is involved in Fourteen East (a student-produced DePaul magazine) and Alpha Xi Delta. Steph thinks the best part of being at DePaul are the many opportunities to help integrate students into the city, and the unique educational experiences offered due to DePaul’s location in Chicago.
Why I became a Peer Support Coach: I was expecting the adjustment to college to be smooth for me and it was quite the opposite. Because I wasn’t expecting this, I really struggled in my first quarter and even considered transferring. Once I found the support I needed, I ended up really loving DePaul and my life here in Chicago! I would love to be able to support students who were in the position I was!
A success tip from Steph: Take time for yourself first, because once it feels like your needs are met, it will be easier to put the time and effort into your academics!
Tamia (she/her)
College: Business (BUS)
Bio: Tamia (she/her) is a senior majoring in Economics. In her spare time, she likes listening to music while thrifting or going on walks. She also enjoys collecting Smiskis and Calico Critters, and playing sports (basketball, volleyball, running) with friends. Her favorite thing about Chicago is the diverse range of food and restaurants to try. At DePaul, Tamia is part of the Asian Cultural Exchange, Kalahi, DePaul Women in Business, Females in Finance, and Ascend DePaul. What she appreciates most about DePaul is its welcoming community, which she found by joining clubs and making connections with classmates.
Why I became a Peer Support Coach: This position challenges me to create solutions for unique challenges and explore different resources to ensure that solutions are effective. I strive to create a comfortable space to talk in, so we can build a meaningful relationship and find various ways to support your academic journey.
A success tip from Tamia: “Use a planner to plan out what assignments/exams need to be completed and focus on tackling the smaller assignments since they are less time consuming and can boost motivation. For larger assignments, try to work on them little by little throughout the week, until the assignment is completely finished. Also, make sure you take small breaks while completing your work!”