Engineering Peer Academic Coaching

CEAS Peer Academic Coaches are current Engineering students who can help you explore learning strategies, effective scheduling, procrastination, and priority management. You can meet with a Peer Academic Coach to learn about strategies and tools to help you successfully complete Engineering assignments, projects, and exam preparation!Ěý

Peer Academic Coaching Team MembersSchedule an appointment in Buff Portal Advising

Letters to the Peer Academic Coaches

Cartoon strip of person being happy about a B grade, then hearing someone else upset because they received a B, and the person alone again looking sad about the B.

I have a good friend who is the type of person to do well in every single class he takes. When he gets a B he feels as if he didn’t try or study hard enough. Being around this person is tough because after hours of studying and memorizing a B is an amazing grade to me. It makes me feel guilty that my standard of success is lower than his and I every time I try to share a win he asks me why I didn’t do so well. I love being around him but sometimes I feel like a subpar engineer at best, like I am barely scraping by. (Anonymous 51łÔąĎÍř student)

Hi there,

Thanks for sharing your experience—and cheers to you for landing a grade you’re genuinely proud of! Engineering can sometimes feel like solving puzzles nobody asked for, so every success definitely deserves recognition.

College friendships matter, particularly when you’re all figuring out these wild academic journeys together. But discussing grades can quickly turn friendships into something that feels more like rivalry than camaraderie. It’s totally normal to question what success even means when you’re surrounded by classmates who seem to set the bar higher each week. If you ever find yourself wondering if “GPA” actually stands for “Greatly Persistent Anxiety,” remember you’re definitely not alone—and Academic Coaching or CAPS are there for a reason.

It’s worth keeping in mind that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. Don’t let someone else’s yardstick measure your own achievements.

Have you considered gently sharing your perspective with your friend? You might say something sincere and playful like, “Honestly, my B feels like an A given what this class put me through!” You never know—it might offer them some much-needed perspective, too.

Maybe also remind your friend about what makes your connection valuable beyond just academics. We’re each a mix of many things, grades included but definitely not limited to them—even if engineering classes occasionally have us convinced otherwise.

Some friends find it helpful to agree to keep grade discussions casual or infrequent, turning conversations into support sessions rather than status updates.

Ultimately, remember to be kind to yourself and your friend. Engineering is challenging enough—no need to engineer extra stress. Celebrate your progress, big or small. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or just want to talk!

Have a question? Want to share a story?

Options to meet with aĚýPeer Academic Coach (PAC)

CHECK BUFF PORTAL ADVISING FOR THE MOST UPDATED AVAILABILITY!

LOCATIONS & TIMES (Through May 2, 2025)

Aerospace Building (213A)

  • Thursdays 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

BOLD Center Main Campus Tutoring Room

  • Mondays 2:15 - 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesdays 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
  • Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The HUB (ECNW 150D)

  • Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays 12:45 - 1:45 p.m.
  • Fridays 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

If the Peer Academic Coach is with another student, the PAC will be with you as soon as they are able.

Students who schedule an appointment will be seen first.

peer coach tile

LOOKING FOR A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY?

  • Anyone welcome to attend and work alongside others.
  • Mondays, 3-5:30 p.m. in the HUB (150A) classroom
  • Free snacks!
Picture of green stop light, two race cars on a track ready to race with text "Anyone welcome to attend open study space on Mondays from 3 to 5:30p.m. in the Hub 150A classroom."

Available through April 28, 2025

Academic Skill Building Resources

Download copies of these resources for yourself! Schedule an appointment with a Peer Academic Coach to discuss how you can use these resources and others!

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Meet the Peer Academic Coaches!

Vladimir (he/him)

I am pursing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. I wanted to be a Peer Academic Coach because, as a minority in a field like Aerospace, you don't really see very many Hispanics. I felt that even though I don't see many people that look like me in lecture halls, I could set the example for younger students who feel the same way. To them I’d say, just because not a lot of people look like you, you still very much do belong, and you are smart enough. I've always had a love for teaching. As a TA and Peer Academic Coach, I can really try to help those in need, just like I needed it when I first entered the university. I am born and raised in Denver, CO, and in my free time I like to work out and play videogames with friends. I also play piano but not very well and have played soccer since age 4, also not very well.Ěý

Photo of Vladimir, Peer Academic Coach, outside the Engineering Center.

Ruby (she/her)

I am majoring in Integrated Design Engineering with an emphasis in Mechanical Engineering and a concentration in entrepreneurship. I also have minors in space, leadership, and engineering management. I wanted to be a Peer Academic Coach because I wanted others to have the opportunity to speak with someone that has overcome similar obstacles that they might be going through. I want to help others find resources on campus as well as a community in which they feel safe and able to succeed. Anything is possible if we put our mind to it! A few of my hobbies consist of going on long drives, hiking, rebuilding cars, dancing, and spending time with family/friends.

Ruby

Olivia (she/her)

Hello! My name is Olivia, I'm a 4th year student, and this will be my 3rd year as a Peer Academic Coach. I wanted to become a Peer Coach to give students the support I wished I had as a first-year student when I was struggling. Academic Coaching was a huge game changer for me, and I wanted to be able to provide that for others. I love sports and I am a hardcore nerd, I enjoy games of all kinds, cooking, and flying. I'm also an avid reader!

Olivia

Sandra (she/her)

I am majoring in Aerospace Engineering and Minoring in Engineering Project Management. I wanted to be a Peer Academic Coach because I think it is important for students to have people to talk to and encourage them. Half the battle in overcoming obstacles is building the proper skill set and mindset, and I think academic coaching is a great avenue for developing those tools. I’m excited to help students cultivate individualized work ethics and processes which will help them in various parts of their lives. I enjoy Paddle-Boarding, Baking/Cooking, Gardening, Crocheting/Knitting, Volleyball, Hiking, and general adventures. Ěý

Sandra

Thomas (he/him)

I am pursuing an Aerospace Engineering major, minors in Russian Studies and Space. I chose to be a Peer Academic Coach to help other STEM majors work through challenges they are facing. Academic coaching has been helpful for me when working through stresses both inside and outside of school; I want to do the same for others if I can. A few of my hobbies and interests are playing Dungeons and Dragons, video games, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), reading comics, skateboarding, learning languages, and dancing.Ěý

Thomas