Community Combats Loneliness

LifeBound Coaching Courses

Prepare for a successful fall semester with LifeBound coaching courses, designed specifically for academic educators and advisors. Choose our Self-Paced Online Class to get started now, or join the live 3-Day Virtual Training in September. Either option qualifies you for the Fall Certification Course beginning in September.

Coach Students to Prioritize Human Connection

By Sarah Lyman Kravits, LifeBound Master Trainer | August 12, 2025

Over the last decade, loneliness has been a rising and researched concern. Education Week recently elaborated on research by World Health Organization's Commission on Social Connection, noting that the percentage of young people 13-17 who report feeling lonely is the highest among all age groups — with the additional finding that such young people were significantly more likely to perform poorly academically. Notably, loneliness can persist despite being connected online or even being in spaces with others physically.

It may seem obvious that one of the main goals of a college learning experience is to meet, connect with, get to know, and learn from and with faculty, staff, and peers. However, the available ways to learn and connect electronically, as useful as they are in many contexts, can lead students to discount the experience of direct human connection. In my work as an academic coach with the Rutgers University-New Brunswick Learning Centers, I work to reinvigorate the understanding of the value of in-person interaction, and the fact that deep and lasting learning is often best achieved in community.

Over the last month, I've participated in panels for several parent and family orientations. I have watched over and over as numerous staff and faculty in every possible division of the university shared their wisdom, advice, passion for their work, and entreaties to students to get in touch. The overarching theme from the day made itself clear: Connect in person. Go talk to advisors. Meet other students in or after class. Make an appointment with an academic coach, career advisor, faculty member. Explore a club meeting. Strike up a conversation with a TA at office hours. Be with others.

Academic coaches have an extraordinary opportunity to drive connection — not just in our sessions, but also in how we can help students connect with other individuals and resources. Whether you are a coach or a staff or faculty member who would like to learn more about coaching principles and how they can help you connect, LifeBound has opportunities for you to make a difference.

Make 2025 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 in 2025!

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.

September 5, 12, 19 - NEXT CLASS

Additional Class Dates:

October 10, 17, 24

November 7, 14, 21

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

Summer 2025 Cohort (in progress), Fall 2025 Cohort (Sep 30 - Jan 13)

Format: Online or in-person as available

Cost: $5,000 per person

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

Learn More at lifebound.com