University at Buffalo (UB)
First-Year Success
Our Success Coaches support first-year students adjusting to college-level learning and life by helping them advocate for themselves, connecting them with resources and helping them to develop the skills to be successful at UB in the classroom and beyond.
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Your first Spring semester
Whether you are beginning your second semester at UB or starting your journey in the Spring, the College of Arts and Science Success Coaches are here to support you throughout the semester! You’ll receive email and other communication from your Success Coach with tips and tricks for the Spring semester and happenings on campus.
Individual meetings will continue throughout the Spring semester. These meetings will focus on your needs, but some targeted topics may include:
- Navigating campus
- Connecting to resources
- Self-advocacy
- Motivation and goal setting
- Time management, and more!
These meetings will be an opportunity to reflect on your time at UB so far and create a plan for moving forward.
In addition to individual meetings, you’ll be invited to events hosted by Success Coaches in collaboration with other offices throughout the semester. These events will be opportunities to connect with other offices, learn about UB, and meet other first-year students!
Pro Tip
Start looking ahead for opportunities for experiential learning like internships, research projects, and/or study abroad!
Check out some commonly asked questions that might help you get started.
Success Coaches are professional staff members who aim to support students as they transition to college. They help first-year students adjust to campus life, connect with resources, advocate for themselves, and develop the skills necessary to succeed at UB and beyond. They are the go-to person for any student's challenges in or out of the classroom. If students aren't sure where to get help, they can always start with their Success Coach!
First-year students in the College of Arts and Sciences who have an assigned Success Coach.
You can find out who your Success Coach is when you try to book a Success Coach appointment using Navigate. Please note: first-year students in the College of Arts and Sciences who are part of a special program such as Ackers, Ace, Athletics, or EOP will not have a Success Coach assigned to them.
Almost anything! Success Coaches take a holistic approach to academic success. They understand that a student's experiences outside of the classroom can impact their success inside the classroom. Some common topics include:
- Navigating campus and connecting to resources
- Self-advocacy
- Motivation and goal setting
- Time management
- And much more!
If you need help figuring out where to start or who can help with something, your Success Coach is a great person to connect with.
Success Coaches can offer general support in most areas but can't offer specialized content area support like tutoring can.
Tutoring is a resource to help with specific coursework concepts or topics. If you're unsure which option is best for you, your Success Coach can help you decide!
Success Coaches are not Academic Advisors. Success Coaches will help you develop essential success skills, set goals and navigate campus. Academic Advisors can help you plan what classes to take, discuss your graduation requirements, advise on majors and minors and keep you on track to graduate on time.
Just yourself and any questions you may have!
Students are encouraged to meet with and stay connected to their Success Coach during their first year at UB, but the appointments are optional.
UB Thrive
Learn about this virtual summer program that's designed for first-year students to gain an advantage before the start of their first semester and throughout the first year. Please Note: The program participation is by invitation only.