Coaching Connects Nontraditional Students

By Sarah Lyman Kravits, LifeBound Director of Training and Certification | Oct 21, 2025

Flexibility Makes a Difference

A recent University Business op-ed by Nicole Polen-Petit regarding the importance of peer support for students focuses on how meaningful these connections can be for so-called nontraditional students. Students who are working, have families to care for, or both often struggle to maximize their learning capabilities within a system originally built for learners without non-academic responsibilities. A student who has to limit on-campus time to class attendance — or who has to prioritize asynchronous learning — has limited if any opportunity to experience the happenstance of connection that occurs in between classes or on weekends. That can reinforce the problematic notion that "I should be able to do this on my own."

Additionally, as the op-ed states, there is a persistent assumption that older students don't have the same need for community as students 18-22 years of age, because they seem "more self-directed and focused on earning a degree and advancing their careers." The truth may well be the opposite — that nontraditional students have a stronger need for connection since it is not necessarily built in to their experience.

Polen-Petit notes the key attributes of setting up support that can serve nontraditional students: "virtual access, flexible scheduling and proactive outreach." If your institution serves nontraditional students, take a look at your coaching practice and your program to see what you do already, and what you can do. Ask questions:

How do our access types (virtual and in person) serve our students? How can we increase the ease of access?
How well does our scheduling serve students who work and/or have families? How can we offer services when they have time to connect?
How do we reach out to nontraditional student communities? What campus partners might help us get the word out about our services?

Coaching questions are as useful in coaching as they are to coaches and program directors. Expand your questioning skills with a LifeBound training.

3-Day Virtual Coaching: Next class - Nov 7, 14, 21
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Make 2025/2026 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges

Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today. Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively. Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact!

LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff:

3-Day Virtual Coaching Course

A dynamic, interactive course focused on practical coaching techniques.

November 7, 14, 21 - NEXT CLASS

December 11, 12, 15

Time: 3 days, 6 hours each

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. Contact us about group rates.

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Self-Paced Coaching Course for Academic, Personal, and Professional Success

A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.

Choose Your Own Dates!

Time: 15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.

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LifeBound Certification Program

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.

Spring, Summer, and Fall Cohorts

Format: Online or in-person as available

Cost: $5,000 per person

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Let’s make 2025/2026 a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!

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