Academic coaching for students with learning and attention disorders can be an effective tool in transitioning to the college environment, as well as maintaining a healthy approach to college through out their time at SMU. DASS offers one-on-one support sessions with a counselor to address issues such as time management, organization, reading challenges, goal setting, and self-advocacy for undergraduate students with a history of a learning disability or ADHD.

One important component of academic coaching is creating and maintaining structure. This can be a challenge for someone with executive functioning issues (ADHD), as well as recent high school graduates who have not had to navigate an unstructured environment. DASS can help a student identify what he or she would like to work on, and execute a realistic plan to address those issues. Being able to follow-up periodically with his or her DASS counselor makes the plan more likely to stick and increase the student's confidence in his or her own abilities.

Academic coaching can help:

Identify study skills that might be more effective based on the
student's learning style

Address issues of reluctance regarding medication, talking to
professors, and studying in the library

Identify strategies for starting on projects, as well as following
through

Cope with shame or guilt from past disappointments

Increase self-awareness that can lead to more effective
self-monitoring

Create healthy eating, sleeping, and exercise habits to stay balanced


To Schedule an Appointment:

Current or prospective undergraduates may obtain more information or schedule an appointment to discuss academic coaching with DASS.

Contact us at 214-768-1470 or dass@smu.edu


To Prepare for Your Appointment:

In order to provide you with the most effective services, please bring the following materials to your initial session:

• The documentation of your learning difference — this allows the DASS Counselors to tailor services specifically to your learning profile;
  
  
• Your SMU course schedule;
  
  
• Your SMU course syllabi;
  
  
• A list of any ongoing commitments you may have that impact your schedule (i.e. jobs, organizations, sports, etc.); and
  
  
• Your calendar/planner (if you currently use one).