Student Success

NIU has many resources to help you do well in your courses. Our Disability Resource Center can assist you in getting the accommodations and/or adaptive technology you need to succeed. You can also get assistance from the Huskie Academic Support Center and the Founders Learning Commons, as well as personalized coaching.

Peer Academic Coaching

The Center for Student Assistance has the ability to pair you with a peer academic coach (PAC), an undergraduate student just like you who will serve as your mentor at NIU. Your peer academic coach can offer you student-to-student tips, invite you to workshops and provide support in a safe environment.

Peer academic coaches can provide individual coaching on:

• Study strategies, test-taking skills and good academic habits
• Setting yourself up for success with time management skills
• Adjusting to online courses and using remote technology
• Avoiding procrastination and staying motivated and focused
• Midterm and finals preparation
• Reaching out to faculty regarding course questions

To schedule an appointment, search for through our peer academic coach list of availability and select the time and date that works best for you. Appointments can be virtual or in-person. PACs also are available for walk-in appointments, Monday-Friday, at the Peters Campus Life Building Room 150, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Our peer academic coaches for the spring 2024 semester include Trinity Anderson, Christina Annerino, Tylo Blackburn, Ashley Fryer, Maria Luisa Rivera and Vi Tran.

Academic Success Mentoring

The Center for Student Assistance also provides personalized academic success mentoring. Our graduate assistants and peer academic coaches are available to create personalized success plans for each semester to help meet the goals students have for inside the classroom, outside the classroom, and on the road to graduation and beyond.

Academic success mentors can aid students with:

• Setting goals and regularly assessing your academic progress
• Connecting with resources and faculty through self-advocacy
• Developing work-life plans and self-care check-ins
• Preparing to meet with your advisor and plan your degree path
• Regular meetings to gauge semester progress
• Brainstorming post-graduation goals and steps that can be taken

To schedule an appointment with an academic success mentor please complete our initial form. Walk-ins to the Peters Campus Life Building Room 150 will be accepted as staff is available.