We have four Cohort-Based Success Coaching (CBSC) programs offered through the Office of Student Success and the First Year Experience at Salem State: Emerging Scholars, La Vida Scholars Program, RISE Program, and STEP. Each program features bi-weekly individualized success coaching and cohort-specific community building events. The coaching sessions are tailored to each student and could include topics such as time management, study tips and staying motivated or they could also cover topics like finding on-campus employment, knowing how to apply for scholarships and learning how to connect/communicate with faculty. In addition to the coaching sessions, each cohort sponsors events such as our Tie Dye and Chill, Hot Ones: Questions about Year One; Halloween Costume Party; Destress Pre-Finals, Olympic Games; and more!
The goal of our CBSC programs is to help students stay on track, feel connected, and reach their full potential. The individual support of a Success Coach and the encouragement of other cohort members has proven to be effective in helping students transition to college. Those who participate in a cohort-based success coaching program stay in college at higher rates than those who don’t participate.
On top of the success coaching and the support of peers, there are several added benefits to participating in CBSC such as an opportunity to be inducted into our local honor society, Alpha Omega Psi (ESP), early registration (STEP), reserved enrollment in a 1 credit course for First Gen Student Success (RISE), or a $500 annual and renewable scholarship (La Vida).
Students can apply for our programs during the spring and summer before coming to Salem State. Information will be emailed to those students who qualify encouraging them to apply. Cohorts are open until filled. If you have questions, please contact firstyear@salemstate.edu.