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The Role of Success Coaching in Your UW Flexible Option Journey

Tiffany Stronghart · Thu Jul 24 2025

Woman talking to another woman on a video call

If you’re anxious about returning to school after some time away–or starting college for the first time–UW Flexible Option offers students a Success Coach, an ally and support system ready to help them throughout the entire educational journey.

Success Coaches are one of the most valuable (and often underappreciated) resources you can have in an online degree program. Your coach will not only help keep you on track in your program, they can also motivate you when times are tough.

What Do Success Coaches Do at UW Flexible Option?

At UW Flexible Option, your Success Coach will:

  • Make you feel welcome as you settle into your online program.
  • Work with you to develop a customized learning plan that fits into your lifestyle
  • Answer questions, offer advice, and check in with you to see how you’re doing
  • Help you manage your priorities and your time.
  • Connect you with the resources you need to succeed.

Beyond personalized academic support, your coach will provide valuable moral support. Your coach is your confidant and counselor, helping you to feel comfortable with the format and the technology so you will be prepared to do your best. Your coach can also help you understand the learning management system and troubleshoot common problems. 

How Success Coaching Works

After enrolling in a Flexible Option degree or certificate program, you will be paired with a coach. Your coach will schedule an initial call with you to talk about your background and your goals. Then, they will schedule a second call with you to discuss academic planning. Once you’ve started the program, they will check in with you periodically to see how you are doing.

Success coaches operate on an as-needed basis. UW Flexible Option puts you in control of your own learning, so you decide how often you correspond with a coach. If you are a self-directed learner and don’t need as much help, that’s okay. If you’re someone who needs more attention, you can rely on your coach for help.

A Student’s Perspective on Success Coaching

Mellissa Shilts, a graduate of the UW-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Health Sciences offered through UW Flexible Option, received motivational support from her success coach, Jenna Swartz.

“Jenna was amazing,” she says. “I could say a million and one amazing things about her. I feel like she was in touch with me. And I know there were certain points where they had to check in. But it always seemed like the times that she had to check in were the times I needed her to check in. It was just enough to know that somebody was out there watching, having that extra set of eyes and that extra person who wants you to succeed.”

Are you working-full time while staying busy with everything life has to offer? You can be successful like Mellissa! Through the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option, you can earn your degree through an online, self-paced format that fits any schedule. Contact us to learn more today.

 

Tagged With: Uw Flexible Option, online learning, success coaching

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