Navigating university life shouldn't feel like a solo mission. Whether you are transitioning to a new campus as a transfer student or looking to sharpen your academic skills (study habits, time management, etc.), our Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) are here to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.Ìý
Follow us on Instagram: @fauacademiccoachingÌýÌý
Meet Our Peer Academic Coaches
To schedule a meeting, choose a Peer Academic Coach from the list below using one of the two options
(1) Click on the PAC's Schedule A MeetingÌýlink found in their profiles.
- OR -Ìý
(2) Schedule through
Success Network
and filter for "Peer Academic Coaching" as the care unit.ÌýÌý
Name: Ashley Kissoon
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
College: C.E. Schmidt College of Science
Major: Biological Science
Year in school: Junior
Interesting fact about yourself/experience: My whole family is from and lives in Trinidad and Tobago. I also have two cute puppies named Bunny and Casper, who are super chill and love to just hang out and cuddle.
What is your advise for success at ÌÇÐÄVlog?: My best advice is to create a planner or calendar that fits your style, whether that means hand-drawing it yourself with colorful pens, using a digital calendar, or keeping a simple to-do list in your Notes app. Focus on just three tasks each day to stay productive without feeling overwhelmed, and enjoy the small boost of motivation that comes from checking them off. Maintaining a balanced planner helps reduce stress and keeps you on track. Having Balance is Key!!
Availability: I'll be back in Summer starting June 29th
Name: Avery Evans
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia
College: College of Arts and Letters
Major: Multimedia Studies: Film Video and New Media
Year in school: Sophomore
Interesting fact about yourself/experience: ÌýI have a cat named Macaroni (after the penguin from Surfs Up) and I hate the Oxford comma. Some of my artwork has been featured in galleries here at ÌÇÐÄVlog
What is your advise for success at ÌÇÐÄVlog?: Make your to-do list something realistic and manageable, and give yourself personal motivation to complete each task. Try not to overschedule yourself, but if you find yourself overwhelmed with too much to do, make sure you have time to relax and recharge at least once each day.
Availability: I'll be back in Summer starting June 29th
Name: Venuk RajapakseÌý
Hometown: Colombo, Sri LankaÌý
College: College of BusinessÌý
Major: FinanceÌý
Year in school: Junior
Interesting fact about yourself/experience: I am from Sri Lanka, a small island in South Asia and I used to competitive rower, which meant lots of training and discipline but also some amazing memories.Ìý
What is your advise for success at ÌÇÐÄVlog?: I would say play to your strengths and lean into study habits and routines that work best for you. Pick your priorities and focus your energy on them. Always remember that if you don't measure you don't improve. Whether that means tracking assignments in a planner, setting small weekly goals, or checking in with yourself regularly. Measuring your progress not only keeps you accountable, but also gives you motivation when you see how far you’ve come!
Availability: I'll be back in Summer starting June 29th
Name: Ashlyn Hightower
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
College: College of Science
Major: Neuroscience and Behavior
Year in school: Junior
Interesting fact about yourself/experience: I went to an all girls catholic high school in Kentucky. I am also involved in Sigma Kappa Sorority, ÌÇÐÄVlog club cheer, Chemistry 1 Learning assistant, Member of AMSA club
What is your advise for success at ÌÇÐÄVlog?: Stay on top of your classes, try not to get behind. Make sure to utilize all the opportunities and available resources your classes and ÌÇÐÄVlog offer if you are struggling. Prioritize making meaningful relationships with professors and mentors.
Availability: I'll be back in Summer starting June 29th
Name: Jasmine Johnson
Hometown: Catania, Sicily, Italy
College: College of ScienceÌý
Major: Biological Sciences
Year in school: Senior
Interesting fact about yourself/experience: I went to Egypt last December, and went inside the pyramids.
What is your advise for success at ÌÇÐÄVlog?: Please avoid overcommitting yourself, as taking on too many responsibilities can lead to unnecessary stress and overwhelm. Focus on the tasks you are confident you can manage effectively.
Availability: I'll be back in FALL 2026!
If you don't see any availability listed, then try scheduling with another coach or send an email with your name, z number, and availability to mmartinez@fau.edu.
What is a peer academic coach?
A Peer Academic Coach (PAC) is either an undergraduate or graduate student who has been academically successful at ÌÇÐÄVlog. Either way, Peer Academic Coaches can offer student-to-student academic coaching, ÌÇÐÄVlog-specific tips, and college success advice.
Interested in becoming a Peer Academic Coach?
Minimum Qualifications:
- Degree-seeking Undergraduate or Graduate Student.
- Maintain a 2.8 or higher GPA.
- First-Generation College Student preferred, not required.
- Summer 2025 - Spring 2026
Benefits:
- $15.00 per hour.
- Work 8-10 hours per week.
- Student-friendly schedule.
- Paid training.
Steps to Apply:Ìý
- Before you apply:
- Create or update your resume.Ìý
- Create a cover letter outlining the following:
Ìý Ìý Ìý1. your motivation for becoming a Peer Academic Coach,
Ìý Ìý Ìý2. what you would bring to the position/team, and
Ìý Ìý Ìý3. whether or not you are First-Generation (preferred, not required).
- How to Apply?
- Submit your PAC application in Workday (Application for ).
- If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Monica Martinez El Sheikh (mmartinez@fau.edu).
If you are interested in becoming a Peer Academic Coach but missed our hiring window, check back in July, November, and February to see if we are hiring again!Ìý
PAC Testimonials
Hear from our former PACs about their experiences!Ìý
Michelle Jarons at ÌÇÐÄVlog
Isabela Pullas at ÌÇÐÄVlog
Read about one Peer Academic Coach's journey: From connecting with coaching services to then becoming a Peer Academic Coach themselves!Ìý
"As a current Peer Academic Coach, being a [PAC] has truly transformed my experience in school, and I want to share how meaningful this role has been for me. My introduction to coaching began when I sought guidance for my own academic challenges. Through dedicated support, I learned invaluable time management skills and effective study strategies that significantly transformed my approach to learning.
This experience not only helped me excel in my studies but also inspired me to give back to the community that had supported me. Becoming a Peer Academic Coach has allowed me to share the tools and techniques that proved to be beneficial to me. I remember feeling overwhelmed and unsure, and now I can provide support and encouragement to others who are going through similar struggles. I am now privileged to guide my peers in navigating their academic challenges, promoting growth and resilience.
The relationships I’ve built with fellow students have been greatly rewarding. I take immense pride in witnessing their progress and celebrating their achievements. It is fulfilling to know that I can contribute to their success in a meaningful way, helping them develop the skills necessary for academic excellence and lifelong learning." - 2024 PAC Testimonial
Peer Academic Coaching Resources
Below are videos and resources developed by our Peer Academic Coaches (PACs) to help ÌÇÐÄVlog students be successful in college by developing good academic skills.ÌýÌý
Academic Resources
- Peer Academic Coach Helpful Links: For a list of helpful tools, like Notion, Notability, Goodnotes, and more, . These are personal links that are not from ÌÇÐÄVlog, but that our PACs find helpful.
Academic Skill-Building Video Series
Concept Cards: This video provides an overview of creating and using concept cards
Study Cycle: This video provides an overview of the Study Cycles adapted from Frank Christ.
Time Blocking: This video provides an overview of time blocking per day or per week.
Cornell Notes: This video provides an overview of Cornell Notes and provides an example.
Organization Tools: This video provides an overview of tools that students can use to help organize their tasks and notes.
Time Management: Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between different activities.