Interview with Dr. Schulz:

The research on college retention and graduation suggests that the primary factor directly impacting whether or not a student stays in college and graduates is the quality of the interaction he or she has with a concerned person in the campus community.

Dr. Schulz, why did you decide to form On-TRAC?

DS: As a psychologist working with young adults, I was noticing a significant increase in the referrals of students who were struggling in college. Many of these students did well in high school and were expected to do well in college. However, they seemed to have tremendous difficulty, especially during their freshman year.

What kind of problems were they having in college?

DS: Usually not academic. These were bright kids who seemed to be having difficulty adjusting to college life. The problems varied, but many of them had problems balancing their lives. They simply didn’t know how to prioritize. The unstructured atmosphere of college was overwhelming for them.

How did you help these students?

DS: That was the problem. Traditional counseling really didn’t work. They would agree to change, and many seemed sincere. But when they returned to their dorms or apartments they repeated the same pattern. I began to realize that this problem required a different approach.

That approach is coaching. How is it different?

DS: Unlike psychotherapy that tends to stress the problem or what is wrong with the person, coaching attempts to emphasize the student’s strengths and build on the positive aspects of their lives. It’s primary focus is to increase motivation and reduce negative and self-defeating thinking.

Is the coaching provided in your offices?

DS: No not usually. Young people tend to have an aversion to counseling. In addition, many of these students have difficulty getting to their classes; the chances of getting to of our offices are slim. We provide coaching at the college or university.

Are the coaches mental health professionals?

DS: We have two levels of coaches; Lead and Peer Coaches. Lead Coaches are licensed mental health professionals with specific training and/or experience in working with young people. Peer Coaches, who assist the Lead Coach, are bachelor level psychology graduates or graduate students who have attended or still attend the college or university. Research has demonstrated that coaching is more effective when provided by coaches who share similarities with the student.

How do you decide how much coaching a student needs?

DS: That’s an interesting question. We first have to know the student; his or her strengths and challenges, their preferences and personality traits. In order to develop a three-dimensional view of the student, we administer a comprehensive assessment called the COMPASS. We assess the student across several areas and provide specific recommendations and an action plan called RoadMap. The RoadMap is the living document, constantly being revised by the Lead Coach and the student, which specifically outlines the steps the students needs to take to meet goals. Based on the results of the COMPASS and the RoadMap, the student and his/her coaches determined the intensity of coaching.

The student is involved in the process?

DS: We feel it is essential for the student to be invested in the process. The more involved in the process, the more likely the student will adhere to the RoadMap.