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The DAS Support Coach can help with a range of challenges and topics related to the student’s academic and social experiences as a college student.

Support Coaching is an interactive, collaborative process to assist students in reaching their educational goals. DAS Support Coaching appointments are conversations between the student and the coach about the student’s unique experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals. Each appointment is individualized, so the student and the coach work together to create a personalized plan of action based on the student’s learning styles, habits of working, and goals. 

The DAS Support Coach and the student discuss strategies, tools, and resources to assist in the student’s academic journey. During each appointment, there is opportunity for the student to engage in self-reflection about their goals and progress. Students might benefit from just one session or they might find it helpful to check in regularly with the DAS Support Coach. Support Coaching offers students accountability and encouragement.

Support Coaching is not academic advising, personal counseling, or tutoring. However, the DAS Support Coach will connect students with on-campus and off-campus resources as needed.

The DAS Support Coach works with the rest of the Disability and Accessibility Services (DAS) team to ensure that accommodations are working well for students. If a student is experiencing any issues or challenges with their current accommodations, the Support Coach will collaborate with the DAS team to resolve the issues or implement new or additional accommodations. 

The DAS team includes:

Sara Byczek, Director of Disability and Accessibility Services

Judith Walker, Disability and Accessibility Services Coordinator

• Conducts the intake process, re-enrollment appointments, and follow-up appointments for students who have a documented disability
• Works collaboratively with faculty and staff to create an inclusive educational environment for students

Cathy Sidor, Disability and Accessibility Services Testing Center and Alternative Formatting Coordinator 

• Provides test proctoring for registered DAS students with testing accommodations 
• Seeks and creates accessible formats of course materials for registered DAS students

Hillary Degner-Miller, Disability and Accessibility Services Coordinator of Case Management and Support

• Assists students through DAS Support Coaching appointments
• Works collaboratively with faculty and staff to create accessible learning environments by utilizing the Universal Design for Learning framework

Support Coaching is a great resource for students to take advantage of while they are in college. Some of the benefits of meeting with a support coach might include, learning effective time and stress management skills, understanding alternative learning strategies, strengthening problem solving skills, getting assistance with connecting to on and off campus resources, developing skills and strategies that can transition into the workplace, and receiving encouragement.

DAS Support Coaching is not a replacement for academic accommodations. Instead, Support Coaching compliments academic accommodations. The purpose of providing both academic accommodations and the option of Support Coaching is to give students with disabilities the tools and resources to feel more confident in reaching their educational goals. DAS Support Coaching is an extra resource for students registered with DAS to utilize in their educational journey at ÂÜÀòÉç-Dearborn. 

The DAS Support Coach can help with a range of challenges and topics related to the student’s academic and social experiences as a college student. Coaching appointments will be tailored to what each student needs.

Since Support Coaching is available to students registered with DAS, students can also discuss their accommodations with the coach. The Support Coach will collaborate with the entire DAS team to resolve any issues or implement new or additional accommodations.

Areas of Support Coaching assistance include, but are not limited to:

• Academic accommodations
• Time management/prioritization
• Organization
• Goal setting
• Study skills, writing skills, and reading strategies
• Note-taking strategies
• Preparing for exams and managing test anxiety
• Motivation
• Learning strategies
• Connecting to on-campus or off-campus resources
• Communicating with professors
• Self-advocacy skills
• Mindfulness 

DAS Support Coaching appointments are currently being held over Zoom or in person. Registered DAS students can schedule appointments with the DAS Support Coach, Hillary Degner, by using their  and following these student support coaching directions.