’Success Coaching’ helps students transition to college

Hannah Pitkofsky arrived at Binghamton University last year after a successful high school career and was determined to continue her high academic standing while also being involved on campus.

A psychology and theatre double major, Pitkofsky dove into several extracurricular opportunities including Hillel, the Neurodiversity Club and Theatre Department productions. However, Pitkofsky discovered that adjusting to the demands of a college-level course load can be a challenging transition.

"I was referred to the Success Coaching program by a representative in Services for Students with Disabilities," Pitkofsky said. "And it was an adjustment because there were things that I was trying to just push through without any real planning like I had in high school."

Pitkofsky was hesitant at first, but made the decision to seek out assistance from Student Transition and Success (STS) Success Coaching early in her first semester.

"I feel like there's this emphasis on independence and this notion of having to do everything by yourself once you get to college," she said. "I learned that it's OK to ask for help and that you don't have to do everything on your own.

Working with Lauren Morris, associate director for student transition and success, Pitkofsky began utilizing the Success Coaching services to help develop study strategies and improve her time management and organizational skills.

"It seems like with today's students there's a stigma associated with asking for help," Morris said. "Success coaches talk with students about self expectations and how to set those aside and be vulnerable. Students should know that when they ask for help, we don't hear 'I can't do this.' We hear: 'I need some guidance or just someone to check in with.'"

STS Success Coaching services saw an increase of more than 700 appointments from 2022-23 to 2023-24. With 11 peer coaches, two graduate assistants and four professional staff available for appointments, success coaching services are accessible to all Binghamton University students, and can be utilized for as long as they are needed.

"As success coaches, we're trying to dig deeper into the root of each student's issues," Morris said. "We're trying to empower each student that comes to us to find their inner motivation and get themselves going, and also help hold themselves accountable."

Seeking out a success coach was a game-changer for Pitkofsky, as she was able to navigate the adjustments to college, excel academically and participate in activities and campus programs.

"I am very grateful that I chose to seek help," Pitkofsky said. "Having someone to consistently hold me accountable was something that benefited me greatly in my transition to college."

After a successful first year at Binghamton, Pitkofsky plans to serve as a tutor and a teaching assistant in her sophomore year. Pitkofsky's increased leadership is a testament to her growth during her time on campus, Morris said.

"I'm so proud of how Hannah advocates for herself now in ways that she might not have when she arrived on campus," Morris said. "We hope that every student who utilizes success coaching will advocate for themselves and can grow into what they need and who they want to be to succeed."

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