Most students wait too long to get help. A 30-minute coaching appointment can help you make a plan before midterms hit.
Science Course Coaching is a Faculty of Science initiative, which connects students with trained Science mentors and course coaches who can help them develop effective learning strategies, navigate course challenges, and make the most of the support available to them.
Whether you're looking to get organized at the beginning of the term, prepare for midterms, improve your study habits, or simply check in with someone who has completed similar courses, Science Course Coaching is here to help.
Our goal is simple: help students connect with support early and often, before challenges become barriers to success.
Science Course Coaching is based on the belief that seeking support is a normal part of academic success. Rather than focusing only on students who may be experiencing challenges, the program creates opportunities for all students to engage with mentoring, coaching, and academic supports throughout the semester. By encouraging early engagement, we hope to help students build confidence, develop effective learning habits, and build a culture of support while strengthening students' connection to the Faculty of Science community.
Why meet with a Science Course Coach?
Many students wait until they are feeling overwhelmed before seeking support. Science Course Coaching encourages students to connect earlier so they can build confidence, strengthen their academic skills, and stay on track throughout the semester.
A meeting with a Science Course Coach can help you:
- Develop effective study and learning strategies
- Create a plan for upcoming assignments, labs, or exams
- Improve time management and organization
- Learn about academic resources available through Carleton University
- Build confidence in your approach to university learning and course content
- Connect with a mentor who has experience navigating Carleton science courses
Coaching appointments are supportive, personalized, and focused on helping you achieve your academic goals.
Interested in Science Course Coaching?
Schedule an appointment through the SSSC's MySuccess portal or contact the Science Student Success Centre directly (see the bottom of this page for contact information).
How the Program Works
Science Course Coaching is integrated directly into participating courses and provides students with multiple opportunities to connect with support throughout the term. If your course is not participating, you are still welcome to participate by scheduling an appointment using the methods described in the previous section.
Start of Term
At the beginning of the semester, students in participating courses will:
- Learn about Science Course Coaching through brief class presentations and course communications
- Receive information via email about SSSC mentoring and academic support services
- Be invited to book a coaching appointment if they would like additional guidance as they begin the term
Mid-Term Check-In
As students move into the busier part of the semester, participating courses will receive additional outreach and reminders about available support.
These reminders are designed to encourage students to:
- Reflect on their progress
- Adjust their learning strategies if needed
- Connect with a Science Course Coach before academic pressures increase
Ongoing Support
Students can access Science Course Coaching throughout the semester. The program is not limited to students experiencing academic difficulty. Many students use coaching as a way to stay organized, strengthen their study habits, and make proactive use of available supports.
Information for Students
What can a Science Course Coach help with?
- Study strategies
- Time management
- Midterm and exam preparation
- Lab and assignment strategies and guidance
- Course planning
- Common course content support
- Goal setting
- Navigating university resources
- Building confidence and academic skills
- and much more!
Who can participate?
Any current Carleton student can participate in this program. Students enrolled in participating 1st and 2nd year Faculty of Science courses may receive tailored information and invitations to connect with a Science Course Coach throughout the term.
How do I book an appointment?
Students can book through the SSSC's MySuccess portal or contact the Science Student Success Centre directly (see the bottom of this page for contact information). For a step-by-step guide on how to schedule an appointment through the MySuccess portal, please click here.
Why did I receive an email about Science Course Coaching?
Students in participating courses may receive emails at key points throughout the semester inviting them to connect with a coach. These messages are intended to increase awareness of available support and encourage students to engage with resources early.
Receiving an email does not necessarily mean there is a concern about your performance. Science Course Coaching is designed to promote proactive support and student success.
Do I need to be struggling academically to meet with a coach?
No. Science Course Coaching is designed for students at all stages of their academic journey. Students who are doing fine often use coaching to stay organized, prepare for assessments, improve study habits, or connect with support before challenges arise.
What happens during a coaching appointment?
During your 30-minute appointment, you will meet with an SSSC mentor/coach, discussing your goals, questions, and academic experiences. Your mentor will then work with you to develop strategies, connect with resources, and create a plan for success.
Can I meet with my mentor/coach multiple times?
Yes, and we encourage it! Repeat sessions with your coach allow you to continue developing and adapting your plan as you move through your course and learn new material.
At the end of each of your appointments, your mentor will schedule a follow-up appointment if you are interested. There is no limit to the number of times you can meet with your mentor, and you can change the mentor you meet with in future appointments.
Can I do a virtual appointment?
Yes. SSSC appointments are in-person by default; however, virtual appointments are available upon request. To request a virtual appointment please reach out to the sssc via email at sssc [at] carleton.ca.
Information for Faculty and Instructors
What is the purpose of Science Course Coaching?
Science Course Coaching (formerly Early Warning Initiative) is designed to proactively connect students with mentoring/coaching supports before academic challenges become significant barriers to success. Rather than just focusing solely on students who are already experiencing significant academic difficulty, this program aims to create multiple opportunities for engagement throughout the term, helping students develop effective learning strategies, build confidence, and access supports early.
To help build a culture of support, instructors can register to incorporate this program directly into the support structures of their upcoming course. Participating instructors will work direclty with SSSC staff to determine course-specific outreach and student support strategies that align with their course structure and teaching approach.
What does faculty participation involve?
Participating instructors:
- Meet briefly with SSSC staff before the term
- Allow an SSSC staff member to make a short in-class introduction to coaching and mentoring services
- Share Science Course Coaching information through their course Brightspace page
- Support student outreach efforts at key points during the semester
How does this support student success?
The program complements existing instructor and departmental supports by providing an additional pathway for students to access mentoring, coaching, and academic skill development throughout the term. This program is intended to complement, rather than replace, instructor support by providing an additional layer of evidence-informed academic intervention and connection.
Interested in participating?
Faculty members interested in participating are asked to fill out the following sign-up form.
Science Course Coaching: Faculty Sign-up Form – Fill out form
If you have questions about this program and how it can support your course, please contact the program coordinator, Ian Beitz, via email at ianbeitz [at] cunet.carleton.ca or by phone at (613) 520-2600 ext. 4028.
Questions and Program Support
For questions and additional support relating to the Science Course Coaching program, please contact the SSSC directly using any of the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.