What is Coaching?

Staff members work closely with students to develop the skills needed to succeed at Rider and beyond. Students set personalized goals, explore time management tools, discover motivators and discuss wise choices that lead to academic and personal success.

Individual coaching sessions are tailored to specific student needs, keeping their goals and desired outcomes in mind as well as learning styles and personal strengths.

Workshops and events are designed to provide general information that can be applied in many situations and be applicable for different types of students. 

Some areas addressed in coaching include:

  • Executive functioning skills
  • Time and self management
  • Academic skills (study strategies and habits, breaking down assignments, and more!)
  • Help seeking behavior
  • Effective communication
  • Goal setting
  • Prioritization and planning

How do I schedule an appointment with a coach?

Please contact our office to schedule an appointment. We can be reached at academicsuccesscenter@rider.edu  or 609-896-5008. Students may also stop by in-person to schedule an appointment. We are located in BLC 237 and are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Appointments are typically 30-50 minutes long, depending on the type of appointment. Students can meet with a coach in-person, on Zoom, or outdoors for a walk and talk session.

Workshops and Events

Past and upcoming workshops and events

  • Chaotic study night
  • Help seeking behavior workshop
  • Prioritization and planning workshop
  • Final exam prep workshop
  • Greek Life and Rider Athletics workshops
  • Student Navigation Office and Academic Success Center workshop series
  • Weekly success group (Mondays at 10am in BLC 237) *no RSVP needed

All students welcome! Every Monday at 10 a.m.
Option 1: Work with ASC success coaches and peers to preview and plan for a successful week!
Option 2: Get work done in a productive space; explore study tips and receive support from ASC coaches
Location: BLC 237 Top floor of the BLC (all the way at the end of the hall)
Questions? academicsuccesscenter@rider.edu  

  • Weekly Success Group Every Monday at 10 a.m.

Meet our coaches

Hannah Waksman, M.A., BCC

Education: B.S., Management and Leadership and Entrepreneurial Studies, Rider University; M.A., Organizational Leadership and Life and Career Coaching, Rider University
Certifications: Board Certified Coach (BCC)

Cleo Zografos, M.A.

Education: B.S., Cognitive Science and Psychology, University of Delaware; M.A., Cognitive Science and Linguistics, University of Delaware; MA., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Rider University, expected graduation 2028

Our approach to coaching

We strive to create a supportive, focused, and nonjudgmental environment where meaningful change and growth can occur. Whether students are navigating specific challenges or seeking to strengthen their academic skills, we believe they have the tools and capacity to recognize their strengths and develop new strategies for success. Our role as academic coaches is to facilitate a collaborative, Person-Centered partnership that empowers students to identify and work toward their academic goals.

During our sessions, students are encouraged to clarify what they want to achieve, examine their current behaviors and habits, evaluate whether these approaches are effective, and develop an action plan for change. Through reflection, goal setting, and collaboration, we aim to help students build self-awareness, develop effective strategies, and make meaningful progress toward their goals.

We coach students creatively and explore unique strategies to support their personal and academic success. We work hands-on with students to try collaborative strategies, so they never feel alone in their academic journey. Whether we are making a custom planner or going on a study walk, we are committed to tailoring our approach to each student’s unique needs and meeting them where they are.