SELF Student Success Coaching is here to help you get the most out of your college experience and maximize your potential to succeed.
What is Coaching? Coaching is a virtual service that provides one-on-one guidance and support to help you think about what you need to be successful in college and reach your personal and academic goals. Coaches can provide you accountability while in school and reinforce the connection between the short-term action steps you need to take now to achieve your long-term goals. Coaching sessions can focus on whatever topic area you are interested in talking about, here are some common areas that Coaches work with students on:
- School Community
- Academics
- Student Effectiveness
- Commitment to Completion
- Career Exploration
- Managing Competing Priorities
- Financial Literacy and Paying for College
- Health & Wellness
How do I get started? Beginning in late August 2023, coaches will begin outreach to eligible students and invite them to setup a meeting with their coach. To be eligible for coaching this year, students need to be first-time SELF Loan borrowers in the first year of their higher education coursework. This includes students working towards a certificate, diploma, associates or bachelor’s degree. Students can be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student. Your coach will provide support for your unique educational journey.
How long can I work with a coach? Success Coaching is available to you after you are approved for your SELF Loan. Once you begin working with your coach you will have access until July 12th, 2024. You get to decide how frequently you would like to meet with your coach. Many students prefer a monthly video or phone meeting to keep them on track. Other students prefer a check-in via text or email- you get to choose what is right for you!
How do I contact my coach? Once you have connected with your coach, you will have their email address, phone number and the link to check their availability and schedule meetings directly with them. Coaches have the ability to work with students via video meeting, phone call, email or even text message.
Can I change coaches? Changing to a different coach is easy! If you would like to try out a different coach, you can email SELFSuccessCoaching.OHE@state.mn.us and they will help you make the new connection. Check out the "Meet the Coaches" section below to learn about the members of our team.
Success Coaching Participation Rewards Engaging with a Success Coach can provide you many benefits to boost your motivation, make actionable steps towards your goals and help strengthen your commitment to your education.
But that's not all. As a participant in the program, you'll also have the chance to earn some awesome rewards! Attend your Welcome to Coaching meeting via phone or video, and you'll receive a $10.00 e-gift card that you can use at your favorite retailers. And if you keep attending our coaching meetings, you can earn up to $50.00 in credits toward your loan balance - that's like getting paid to succeed!
You can track your progress and view your rewards in your student success portal at any time. Let's work together to make your college experience a success!
SELF Student Success Coaching Reward Policy
Meet the Coaches
Emily Hennes
As a SELF Student Success Coach, I am passionate about meeting new students and discovering who they are. It is my goal to foster a safe, encouraging, and welcoming space for students to share who they are and what areas of their lives they want to grow in. It is my passion to collaborate with students to create goal plans that honor their hopes and dreams. I am thrilled to share my excitement for education with students I have the privilege to work with.In my free time I enjoy going on walks in my neighborhood and enjoying nature. I have a very cuddly cat named Mikey. I also love creating art, listening to records, and watching films. I look forward to learning more about you and your interests as well!
Ongers Herr
Hello, my name is Ongers Herr, and I am a SELF Student Success Coach. My role as a Success Coach is to make sure students have a safe space to process and learn more about themselves. I will be here to collaborate with students on their goals and next steps and utilize the time together to make action plans for success. I attended St. Cloud State University with an MS in College Counseling and Student Development. My previous work experience was in College and Career Readiness, Workforce Development, Academic Advising, Multicultural Student Services, and more! In my free time, I like to hang out with my 2 Labradors, Bruno & Stella, spend time with family and friends, BBQ, karaoke, and binging on new shows. I'm looking forward to connecting with students and helping them become successful at their own pace and on their own terms!
Mainong Yang
Hello, my name is Mainong Yang, and I am a SELF Student Success Coach. My role as a Success Coach is to provide a safe and comfortable space for students to share and reflect on their academic experiences. The intention behind each meeting is for students to create goals through their own lens to ensure their success. It is through collaboration and transparency that I support students to achieve their goals.As a first-generation college graduate, I have a passion for working in college readiness and supporting students to succeed. I received my B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Minnesota and my Master's in Educational Leadership: Student Affairs and Higher Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, going on mini adventures in the Twin Cities with my partner, and trying new hobbies. I look forward to supporting students from Minnesota and across the nation.
