Graduate Assistant - Academic Coaching

Graduate Assistant Job Description – Academic Coaching (Fall 2025 to Spring 2026)

Job Description:

As an Academic Coach for registered OEA students, you will work closely with students to enhance their academic and life skills, promoting success in their coursework and overall academic progress at WCU. Your primary responsibilities will include:

1. Goal Setting and Planning: Assist students in planning and setting both short-term and long-term academic goals.
2. Organization and Time Management: Help students develop organizational strategies, improve time management, and learn prioritization skills.
3. Study Strategies: Guide students in creating effective study habits, maintaining focus and concentration, and using efficient study techniques.
4. Assessment: Assess students’ strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized feedback and recommendations.
5. Active Listening and Feedback: Listen to students' needs, observe behavioral patterns, and offer constructive feedback.
6. Support and Encouragement: Offer structure and consistent support, fostering motivation and confidence in students.
7. Anxiety and Stress Management: Monitor and assist students in managing anxiety and stress related to academic challenges.
8. Self-Advocacy Development: Help students increase their self-knowledge and self-advocacy skills for academic and personal growth.
9. Staff Meetings: Attend and participate in weekly OEA staff meetings to discuss student progress and team goals.
10. Ongoing Training: Participate in and present during staff training on disabilities, academic support strategies, career planning, and other relevant topics.
11. Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of student attendance and academic progress.
12. Proctoring Services: Coordinate and provide proctoring services to students registered with OEA.

Qualifications:

1. Enrollment in a WCU graduate degree-seeking program (Master’s level).
2. Preference for first-year graduate students enrolled in one of the following programs:
   1. Psychology
   2. Counselor Education
   3. Education
   4. Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs
   5. Social Work
3. Eligibility for a graduate assistantship as determined by the Graduate School (refer to the Graduate School information on the WCU website).
4. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.
5. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
6. Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to teach these skills to others.
7. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse students.
8. Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Outlook, and related tools.
10. Availability to attend weekly in-person staff meetings on Wednesdays (time to be determined).

Work Schedule: 

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, in person.

Overview:

This position is a one-year academic appointment with a tuition waiver for up to 9 credits per semester.  

• Mandatory Training Session: Tentatively scheduled for August.

Mission Statement:

At West Chester University, the Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA) views disability as an integral part of the university experience. We are dedicated to providing equal access and opportunity for all campus programs and services for students with disabilities. Through collaboration across campus, we promote disability pride, self-determination, and universally accessible design principles, ensuring that all students have full access to university life. Our office strives to provide or coordinate supportive services that enable students with disabilities to maximize their educational potential while maintaining the academic standards and integrity of the University.

The OEA ensures compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, aligning our programs and services with the University's mission of providing equal education for all qualified students.

For more information: [U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section](https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm)

Vision Statement: 

The OEA at West Chester University aims to become a model program for supporting students with disabilities in higher education. We envision a society where individuals with disabilities thrive and fully participate in all aspects of university life. Our goal is to develop responsible decision-makers, problem-solvers, and self-advocates who are empowered to take control of their futures. Through fostering independence, self-determination, and retention, we aim to support students in reaching their full academic potential.

Student Learning Outcomes: 

1. Engaging with the OEA enables students to:
   1. Understand their rights and responsibilities, the accommodation request process, and how to fully access approved accommodations.
   2. Address academic difficulties and access barriers through critical thinking and problem-solving.
   3. Demonstrate self-awareness in identifying and articulating functional limitations.
   4. Effectively use assistive technologies for equitable access.
   5. Independently engage with resources and follow through with referrals.