Student success center at UC: The Learning Commons

Between navigating new academic expectations, balancing work or extracurriculars, and figuring out where to go for help, students often need support beyond the classroom. That’s where a student success center comes in. At the University of Cincinnati, the Student Success Center is known as the Learning Commons — your hub for coaching, tutoring, advising and academic support.

Knowing how to use academic resources, coaching and support services can make a major difference in your college experience. Below, we break down what a student success center is, how coaching works, and what programs the University of Cincinnati offers to help you succeed.

A student success center is a hub for university student support services — a place designed to help students navigate academic challenges, build effective study habits and achieve their educational goals. Most centers offer a combination of college student success programs, tutoring, mentoring, workshops and one-on-one coaching.

Think of it as your on-campus partner in learning — somewhere you can go for guidance, accountability and support at any stage of your college journey.

You’ll hear the word coach a lot in discussions about student success. So what is a student success coach?

A student success coach is a trained professional who supports you in developing the skills, habits, and strategies needed to thrive in college. They’re different from academic advisers; while advisers help with course planning, coaches focus on the bigger picture — your entire experience as a student.

A success coach can help you:

• Create personalized study strategies
• Set academic goals and stay on track
• Improve time management and organization
• Navigate challenges like homesickness, motivation dips, or balancing responsibilities
• Connect with academic resources and campus services

Many universities like UC offer student coaching and advising as part of their core academic support model, recognizing how impactful personalized guidance can be.

You may also hear about developing a success plan. But what is a student success plan, exactly?

A student success plan is a customized roadmap you and your coach create together. It usually includes:

• Your academic and personal goals
• Strengths and challenges
• A timeline for achieving milestones
• Strategies for staying motivated
• Recommended resources such as tutoring or workshops

This plan evolves throughout the semester and helps guide your decisions and priorities, especially when things get busy or stressful.

At UC, a student success plan may refer to targeted support requirements assigned to specific student populations. Learn more from UC’s Learning Commons.

UC’s commitment to student success is known as the Bearcat Promise — it’s a goal for every student to graduate with not just a degree, but a plan for their future career.

Academic advising is an essential component of student success. Each college within UC assigns students a dedicated academic adviser who provides comprehensive guidance throughout their college journey. Advisers assist students in clarifying academic, professional and personal goals; interpreting university and program policies; selecting courses aligned with their objectives; addressing academic or personal challenges; and ensuring steady progress toward graduation.

Yes. At the University of Cincinnati, the Learning Commons serves as the university’s Student Success Center, offering tutoring, academic coaching, study support and referrals to advising and campus resources.

Additionally, many UC student success center programs are catered to specific colleges and majors. A few examples of a student success center UC offers include:

• College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services Student Success 

  • School of Information Technology Student Success Program

• College of Medicine Center for Student Success

• UC Blue Ash Success Coaching

• College of Engineering and Applied Science A. Allen Arthur Student Success Center

Although advisers and student success centers are housed in different colleges and units at UC, they all share a commitment to assisting students in reaching their academic goals.

Academic coaching is a personalized process where students work one-on-one with a peer coach to assess and improve their academic habits and skills. Academic coaching sessions are conducted as hour-long online or in-person sessions.

Schedule a coaching appointment.

UC’s Accessibility Resources ensures that all students have access to the support and accommodations they need to succeed. From accessible technology to housing to testing accommodations, they are here to help.

Get started with this guide on transitioning to college for students with disabilities.

Career coaching is a collaborative process that helps students navigate their career journey with confidence. Whether you’re exploring career options, preparing to apply for a co-op or full-time job or somewhere in between, UC’s career coaches are here to support.

Drop in or make an appointment.

Gen-1 is a holistic student support program for first-generation college students at UC. The program features a first-of-its-kind living-learning community — the 1MPACT House — specifically for first-gen students. Students must apply for Gen-1 upon application to UC.

Learn more about the application process.

UC’s Learning Commons provides free student support from fellow Bearcats. Student staff offer specialties in writing, math and science, and even specific classes, with a focus on 1000- and 2000-level courses. They’re peers who know your classes and want to help you thrive: from extra practice and study strategies to feedback on writing, academic habits, and connections to campus resources.

Explore student success resources from the Learning Commons.

Whether you’re attending UC or another institution, engaging with your student success center or resources can boost your confidence, academic performance and overall well-being. Coaching, mentoring and personalized success planning are powerful tools that help students stay on track and make the most of their college experience.

If you’re a UC student, there’s a wide range of UC student success programs available to you — you don’t have to navigate college alone. Reach out, connect and give yourself the best chance to thrive.