Peer Academic Coaches
Peer Academic Coach (Position Description)
The goal of the Academic Coaching Program is to enrich, enhance, and facilitate the student learning experience at CSULB. The primary responsibility of the Learning Center Peer Academic Coach is to serve as an academic coach/mentor to CSULB students. Peer Coaches work with students on their academic and personal transition to the university environment. Peer Coaches will provide services primarily via individual appointments with students and with the opportunity to provide workshops on various academic success topics for the campus at large.
Peer Coaches will gain hands-on experience in working with students at all levels in their academic career. They will receive training on mentoring perspectives and techniques, on learning styles, student assessment, setting the student’s system of study and academic plan, and on referral techniques and developing student use of support services. Peer Coaches receive valuable feedback on their development and demonstration of essential professional skills.
Coaches will provide services both in-person and remotely.
Visit our Applying page for more information.
Peer Coaches
Brenda Avalos
Peer Academic Coach
College of Education’s School Psychology program
Hello! My name is Brenda Avalos, I am currently enrolled in the School Psychology program in the College of Education.
Programs or organizations I am associated with on campus are the School Psychology Student Association and the CSU Center to Close the Opportunity Gap. My hobbies outside of CSULB include napping, petting dogs, and eating tacos! One of my personal “success” tips is to use my calendar like to do list.
Lastly, the Learning Center has taught me that successful learning, often, can be an emotional rollercoaster. In higher education this notion can be all too real. As a Spanish speaking, first generation, Latina graduate student, being encouraged, seen, and cared for has made that rollercoaster a whole lot more manageable. I hope to do the same for you!
Cody Spjut
Peer Academic Coach
Philosophy
I am graduate student beginning my second year in the Philosophy department at CSULB. I enjoy reading, hiking, playing disc golf, and playing games of any kind. I am involved in both the Philosophy and Classics departments and attend (and occasionally present or assist at) many of their events. I also work in the Student Success Center as a tutor for humanities courses.
My favorite strategy for success in my academics is to use BOTH a planner and a large calendar to keep in my room. Add major upcoming events to the planner throughout the day, then put them on my calendar when I get home.
I genuinely enjoy helping students who are eager to learn, so please feel free to schedule an appointment with me if you desire to: improve study strategies, improve time management, or develop good reading and writing habits.
Elan Rodriguez
Peer Academic Coach
English Education
I am a Senior here at Long Beach. I’m an English Education major, and I transferred from my local community college two years ago. Some hobbies of mine include skating, reading, cooking, and playing video games for too long.
The success strategies that work the best for me (after a lot of trial and error) are using a planner, and having a to-do-list. These keep me grounded and focused on what I need to do for the day/week/month.
The recipe for being a successful student is different for everyone. What works for many may not work for one. My hope is that whether it’s with me or my peers in the learning center that you find out what works for you the best!
Faisal Al Muharrami
Peer Academic Coach
Computer Science
My name is Faisal pronounced with a z instead of the s I am an undergraduate seeking a computer science bachelor's degree. In my spare time I like to engage in hobbies such as Archery, games, and just relaxing; most of the time as being a senior is very stressful. I am fluent in both Arabic and English. My advice for success is to focus on who you want to be and abandon the thought of waiting for motivation, you must commit to your success and who you want to be regardless of how you feel. Keep moving forward!!
