Johnson C. Smith University: Top-ranked HBCU uses coaching to strengthen belonging and support
The Opportunity
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), a storied private HBCU in North Carolina, was looking for ways to strengthen student belonging and support, aiming to make the university a model for holistic, coordinated care. As a UNCF member institution, JCSU initially participated in a network re-enrollment coaching initiative that gave them a sense of the power of coaching. Wanting to take their impact to the next level, JCSU embarked on two transformative student support initiatives that would help them reach their goals — embedding InsideTrack’s coaching methodology into student-facing staff roles and building a student support app platform called BullsNav.
The Opportunity
Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU), a storied private HBCU in North Carolina, was looking for ways to strengthen student belonging and support, aiming to make the university a model for holistic, coordinated care. As a UNCF member institution, JCSU initially participated in a network re-enrollment coaching initiative that gave them a sense of the power of coaching. Wanting to take their impact to the next level, JCSU embarked on two transformative student support initiatives that would help them reach their goals — embedding InsideTrack’s coaching methodology into student-facing staff roles and building a student support app platform called BullsNav.
The Solution
As part of the HBCU Transformation Project, UNCF led an initiative that would support 10 institutions to receive InsideTrack’s coaching development of training — and JCSU was the first of those 10 campuses. Staff members received Foundational Coach Training using InsideTrack’s holistic and evidence-based coaching methodology. Certain staff members also received additional training — including some who became certified to train others to coach — giving them the power to continue to grow their in-house program well after the partnership with InsideTrack is formally complete.
The Solution
As part of the HBCU Transformation Project, UNCF led an initiative that would support 10 institutions to receive InsideTrack’s coaching development of training — and JCSU was the first of those 10 campuses. Staff members received Foundational Coach Training using InsideTrack’s holistic and evidence-based coaching methodology. Certain staff members also received additional training — including some who became certified to train others to coach — giving them the power to continue to grow their in-house program well after the partnership with InsideTrack is formally complete.
Proven Results
The Impact
Though the partnership is still in its early stages, six JCSU coaches have already been certified in InsideTrack’s coaching methodology, with another four to follow. During their initial term in the fall of 2023, these coaches held 2,044 appointments with their students, for a contact rate of 87%. What’s more, 80% of contacted students met with the success coach at least twice. Lessons learned from these coaching sessions are being applied not only to other JCSU coaches, but to all university staff with student-facing roles.
As a result, coaching development and training programs are delivering widespread impact across campus. For example, JCSU saw a persistence rate of 89.6% for coached freshmen during the Fall 2023 term, compared to the school-wide rate of 86.8%. During that same timeframe, 47% of freshmen engaged in coaching earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with 80% of all coached freshmen earning a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
The Impact
Though the partnership is still in its early stages, six JCSU coaches have already been certified in InsideTrack’s coaching methodology, with another four to follow. During their initial term in the fall of 2023, these coaches held 2,044 appointments with their students, for a contact rate of 87%. What’s more, 80% of contacted students met with the success coach at least twice. Lessons learned from these coaching sessions are being applied not only to other JCSU coaches, but to all university staff with student-facing roles.
As a result, coaching development and training programs are delivering widespread impact across campus. For example, JCSU saw a persistence rate of 89.6% for coached freshmen during the Fall 2023 term, compared to the school-wide rate of 86.8%. During that same timeframe, 47% of freshmen engaged in coaching earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with 80% of all coached freshmen earning a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Dr. Angela White
Dean of University College and Student Success, Johnson C. Smith University
Alanah M.
Business Administration, Sophomore, Johnson C. Smith University
MEH
Biddle Institute, Freshman, Johnson C. Smith University
Zoe M.
Biology, Freshman, Johnson C. Smith University
Dr. Angela White
Dean of University College and Student Success, Johnson C. Smith University
How is one HBCU using InsideTrack coaching training and development to increase persistence and belonging for students across its campus? Learn more.
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