Coaching Towards Success
The mission of our Personal Development program is to help students learn the essential skills for managing stress and emotions, setting and attaining personal goals, problem-solving, and living a healthy lifestyle – all of which are vital to a strong academic performance. As part of our Integrated Coaching Model students receive daily support to practice these skills, tackle personal challenges and master the resilience needed to stay positive and on track. We keep students focused on moving forward into adulthood, taking full responsibility for their lives and growing beyond their personal limitations.
Student Success Coaches provide students with a sounding board to discuss personal issues; build a platform for accountability, and collaborate on action steps to achieve their goals. Our first term curriculum teaches students how to create the habits that help balance the social, emotional, physical and financial aspects of their lives. A variety of support groups are offered as a space where individuals can come together to share their stories and experiences in a way that helps reduce the isolation and loneliness often associated with the transition to college.
Having fun is also essential to a balanced lifestyle and each week students are encouraged to participate in our extracurricular activities, contribute to their community through student organizations, enjoy Central Oregon’s array of diverse cultural events and explore the great outdoors.
Note: Coaches are not therapists; they do not treat clinical mental health disorders or illnesses. However, College Excel does have an onsite therapist that students may contract with directly. Alternatively, Student Life Coaches can assist students in finding another mental health professional who is qualified and licensed, if needed.
First-year college students are often told that college will be the best four years of their lives. The reality for many students is that the stressors of being away from home, managing coursework, making new friends, dealing with roommates, and finding their own path can lead to intense feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.
Jeannie Crowell, Founder
Personal Development Program Highlights
Wellness Program
Through our proprietary, interactive seminars, students learn the value of nutrition, healthy meal planning and preparation, exercise, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding digital overload, and much more.
Our scheduled weekly activities include a mixture of yoga and Tai Chi classes, cardio workouts, rock climbing sessions, strength training sessions and basketball games, as well as a monthly staff vs. student friendly competitions. In addition to the physical benefits, daily fitness routines help instill the importance of exercising the body in order to improve overall brain functionality.
Outside of scheduled workouts, students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the phenomenal outdoor activities all around them within Central Oregon: walking, paddle boarding, hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, canoeing, fishing, camping. They may also join COCC or OSU-Cascades sports clubs or enroll in a wide variety of outdoor courses for credit.
Insight Seminars
Students in their second term are enrolled in our Insight Seminars which takes place over 8 weeks. The curriculum is delivered through weekly seminars that promote deeper introspection with the goal of expanding self-awareness and understanding. Outside of the seminars, coaches work individually and in groups with students to apply their new found knowledge to improve their relationships and interpersonal communication skills in order to promote a greater sense of personal and life satisfaction.
