Student Persistence & Academic Recovery
Students who are on Academic Probation are eligible for one to one support by working with an Academic Recovery Coach. Coaches will develop Individualized plans that can help students gain the skills necessary to raise their grade point average and be more successful in their courses.
Get help with:
- Navigating college resources
- Time management
- Study skills
- Test taking skills
- Reducing math anxiety
- Motivation and more.
Academic Recovery Coaches
Make an appointment for a time that works best for your schedule. Please note that you can choose to meet with us in several ways via phone, through Zoom, and in-person on the Columbus State Campus. We offer later meeting times until 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Information about each of the coaches is listed below. You can choose the coach that you would like to work with or just click schedule an appointment and pick the time that works best for you.
Contact Us
Monday:8am – 5pm
Tuesday: 8am – 5pm
Wednesday: 8am – 7pm
Thursday: 8am – 7pm
Friday: 8am – 430pm
Virtual Services
Monday – Friday 11am – 2pm
Virtual Services are for quick questions.
For more detailed assistance, please schedule an appointment with a coach.
Chat: located at the bottom right side of this page
General Inquiries
AR-Coach@cscc.edu
Meet the Coaches
Suzanne Schier

I’ve worked with International, ESL, and LGBTQIA+ students. I’m also a PhD candidate at Ohio State in Higher Education and Student Affairs
- I have a pet bearded dragon named Riri.
- Pronouns: she/her/hers
Matt Johnson
"I started the pursuit of my bachelor's degree by taking classes at community college.
I have spent the last ten years as a graduate teaching assistant, adjunct professor,
and a GED professor, and a GED instructor in social studies and language arts." In
my spare time I enjoy archery, weightlifting, and playing video games.
"Who dares, wins. Who sweats, wins. Who plays, wins."
-Motto of the British Special Air Service
Edwin Hanson
Loves working with ESL students and learning about their culture; specializes in English
and History. Enjoys tabletop roleplaying games, video games, and all things cats.
- Huge dinosaur enthusiast
- Former fighting game semi-pro (Not really)
Ayanna Garrett
"I am passionate about helping students and seeing them succeed. I want to show you
that if you prepare correctly and set attainable goals, you can achieve your dreams."
- Columbus State Graduate.
- I love to cook and sing.
Favorite quote: "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."
-Suzy Kassem
Rebecca Clarridge
"I am a first generation college student and am really good at helping others be successful.
I enjoy going to campus activities, celebrating achievements, and really bad jokes."
I'm working on my next degree right now and am living student life again. My guiding quote is by Ayesha Siddiqi: "Be the person you needed when you were younger."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Academic Recovery Coaches assist students who are experiencing academic difficulty (poor or failing grades). They work with students to determine the best course of action to improve their academic skills and make progress toward good academic standing.
Coaches will take time helping you discover what is getting in the way of your success. They will examine your individual needs and what skill improvements you need to make to be a stronger student. They will provide you with the knowledge, resources and tools to help you be more successful.
All students on academic probation are eligible to meet with an Academic Recovery Coach.
Probation students can access appointments byusing Starfish. In Starfish, go to My Success Network and look for our service card labeled “Academic Recovery Coaching”. Click on the service card and you will then see an option for scheduling an appointment. For Starfish appointment iInformation, use this link: https://www.cscc.edu/services/starfish/starfish.shtml
We offer in-person, phone, virtual/video and drop-in appointments.
It is helpful if you bring a pen, a pad or notebook to write things down. You may also bring a laptop or tablet if you like to take notes electronically. Be sure you also bring your Cougar ID.
It is not guaranteed that you will see the same coach each time. However, if there is a coach you connect with and would like to work with long term, please check with them to find appt availability within their schedule.
Academic Advisors work with students to help them select courses, understand program requirements, work on academic planning and understand transfer options. They also assist with academic interventions to help you understand your options and next steps. Academic Recovery Coaches assist students with academic support services like time management, study skills, note-taking, test-taking strategies and how to communicate more effectively with your faculty. We help you with the skills you need to be a successful student.
Depending on your needs, a variety of topics are available to assist you, including:
- Time Management
- Successful Test Taking Skills
- Good Study Habits
- Goal Setting
- Note – Taking
- Balancing school, work & family
Together with your coach, you will develop a plan to become a more successful student
and focus on the issues you need most to help you get back into
good academic standing.
Each student will have different needs but a coach can work with you the entire time you are on academic probation. The number of coaching appointments will vary for each person.