8:00am – 10:00am Central (Beginner Coach)
Title: Empowering Student Success: Solution-Focused Coaching Workshop in Higher Education
Max Participants: 50
Presenters:
May Lim, Singapore Institute of Technology
Ramesh Shahdadpuri, Singapore Institute of Technology
Abstract: This preconference workshop aims to delve into the core principles and practices of solution-focused coaching in higher education settings. Participants will explore the transformative potential of coaching in guiding students towards their envisioned futures, steering them away from past troubles or anxieties about the future. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, attendees will gain insights into practical solution-focused techniques tailored for student coaching scenarios. Moreover, the workshop will address common concerns educators encounter in implementing solution-focused coaching and offer strategies to surmount them effectively. Ethics and boundaries in coaching will also be scrutinized, emphasizing the importance of educators recognizing when to refer students for specialized professional assistance. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with practical tools and ethical considerations vital for fostering student success through solution-focused coaching interventions.
10:00am-12:00pm Central (Beginner Coach, Intermediate Coach, Expert Coach)
Title: Who’s In Charge Here?: Why Executive Functioning Matters in Academic Coaching
Max Participants: 60
Presenters:
Kristen Nuesmeyer, Utah Valley University
Emily Argyle, University of Utah
Abstract: Imagine a business without a CEO. No sense of purpose, organization, or roles are defined – a recipe for failure. The same is true for our ability to progress and meet our goals in coaching. Without strong executive functioning, our brains are operating without their “CEO.” This pre conference session is a deep dive into executive functioning and ways to help students identify and strengthen these critical brain skills as they participate in coaching. Participants will walk away with insight into executive functioning, benefits and challenges, as well as coaching best practices, strategies, and tools to help students increase self-awareness.
1:00pm-3:00pm Central (Intermediate Coach, Expert Coach)
Title: Scaffolded Skills for Identifying and Responding to Student Mental Health in Coaching
Max Participants: 100
Presenters:
Audrey Gilfillan, University of Colorado Boulder
Anna Hemming, University of Colorado Boulder
Abstract: In response to the rising pressures placed on academic systems to meet the needs of students during our national mental health crisis, academic coaches are often positioned to respond first to student concerns. Coaches strive to delineate the differences between their coaching role and that of a therapist, communicate the scope to students, and ethically adhere to those boundaries in practice. In this session, we will review the Scaffolded Mental Health Support model, developed by a former academic coach and current mental health therapist. This model goes beyond other mental health first aid trainings by providing concrete guidelines on how coaches can identify and respond to mental health concerns that arise in coaching while continuing to support them in their academic goals. Attendees will be invited to engage in large and small group conversations about how the model applies to their practical experience. Case studies will also be discussed.
12:00-4:00pm Central (Beginner Coach)
Title: Introduction to Basic Coaching Skills
Max Participants: 70
Presenters: Wes Bush, University of Oklahoma
Sean Hardrick, University of Oklahoma
Dr. Kathleen Shea Smith, University of Oklahoma
Shana Hawke-Stanton, University of Oklahoma
Abstract: This interactive workshop will include a general introduction to some fundamental skills often connected to academic coaching. The presenter will provide a live coaching demonstration with a volunteer from the audience, an introduction to the four-part ION coaching model (a coaching model designed in-house at the presenter’s home institution), and a presentation on common coaching activity, the Wheel of Life. Four essential life coaching skills will be introduced: 1) Establishing Trust, 2) Engaged Listening, 3) Powerful Questions, and 4) Well-Designed Actions. Built into each skill segment, there will be opportunities for attendees to practice and collaborate. This workshop would be a great opportunity for attendees with little to no experience in coaching or for beginner coaches interested in honing their foundational coaching skills.