Success Coaching & Academic Advising
Supporting first-generation and/or limited-income (FLI) students’ academic success, cocurricular enrichment, and social well-being.
The Success Coaching and Academic Advising (SCAA) department empowers first-generation and/or limited income (FLI) students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally by providing holistic, student-focused success coaching and advising.
Through individualized support, collaborative partnerships, and a strong sense of community, SCAA promotes resourcefulness, belonging, and self-efficacy—particularly for students navigating unique academic journeys. Grounded in a strengths-based approach, our mission is to help students navigate their academic journey with confidence, connect with campus resources, and achieve their long-term goals at Johns Hopkins and beyond.
Our Mission
At SCAA, our mission is simple: We want to partner with you to help you identify and achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals. Through personalized advising and a strong community, we’re here to support your success every step of the way.
Our Vision
We believe in empowering you to excel both academically and socially at Hopkins. Our four-year engagement process encourages self-discovery and goal-setting, connecting you with opportunities that foster a sense of community and purpose.
Our Values
- We value authenticity, vulnerability, and compassion
- We hold each student’s unique background, strengths, and identity at the center of our work together
- We commit to active partnerships with students based on trust and accountability
- We aspire to meet challenges as opportunities for growth and learning
- We promote a holistic approach towards well-being and belonging
- We collaborate with campus partners to further our students’ success
Why Choose SCAA?
Join us at SCAA and take the next step toward an enriching and successful experience at JHU. Let’s discover your potential together!
Authenticity and Vulnerability
We celebrate who you are and value your unique story.
Personalized Support
Your strengths and identity shape everything we do together.
Trust and Accountability
We build partnerships based on mutual trust and commitment.
Embrace Growth
We view challenges as learning opportunities for you.
Holistic Approach
Your well-being and sense of belonging matter to us.
Collaborative Success
We work with campus partners to ensure your success.
“SCAA is a great resource that you can rely on. Let them help you have a smooth transition to college life.
Our Coaching and Advising is A.C.A.D.E.M.I.C.
Achieve. Students will fulfill all degree requirements to achieve degree completion.
Connect. Students will connect with the community through civic engagement activities to develop relationships as agents for social change.
Access. Students will identify and access resources that support their academic, personal, and financial well-being.
Develop. Students will develop a network of support by establishing meaningful relationships with their Academic Advisor/Success Coach, peers, faculty, and alumni.
Explore. Students will explore immersive learning experiences that align with their academic and professional pathways (e.g., research, internships, study abroad).
Mentor. Students will connect and serve, if desired, with peer mentors to share experiences, advice, and knowledge on how to navigate their undergraduate experience at Hopkins.
Interact. Students will engage and interact with the campus community through the FLI Network, student organizations, various leadership opportunities, and connect with alumni to create a sense of belonging.
Collaborate. Students will actively partner with faculty and collaborate on producing knowledge in various research fields.
The SCAA Impact
Learn about HULAs
Hopkins Undergraduate Leaders in Advising are peer advisors who work with predominantly incoming first-year FLI students to ensure a successful transition throughout the first year at Hopkins.
Our Coaching Curriculum
Year-to-Year Coaching
SCAA provides FLI students with specialized year-to-year success coaching focused on academic, professional, and personal development that will enhance their undergraduate experience at Hopkins.
First Year
Resources & Community
First-year SCAA students will learn how to access resources, build community, and support their overall well-being. One-on-one bi-monthly meetings with Academic Advisor/Success Coaches (AA/SC), connecting with , and participating in unique programming, first–year SCAA students will visit topics ranging from setting goals to navigating relationships. Through a practical approach, students will have ownership over their experience as they transition into Hopkins with support from their AA/SC to assist in their growth and leadership development.
Second Year
Explore, Engage, & Experiential Learning
Second-year SCAA students will learn how to develop versatile resumes and cover letters as they explore various application and interview processes for experiential learning opportunities (e.g., internships, research, study abroad, etc.). In their second year, students will be encouraged to engage in activities focused on developing their personal brand and values as they determine their professional pathway(s).
Third Year
Enhance, Immerse, & Self-Reflect
Third-year SCAA students will self-reflect on their portfolio of experiential learning opportunities, degree completion requirements, and post-graduation goals. Students will immerse themselves in a variety of field-experiences intended to emphasize their application of knowledge (e.g., research, internships, conferences, professional associations, and/or study abroad). Third-year students will utilize supplemental workshops and resources to enhance their networking skills in preparation for graduate school and/or career placement.
Fourth Year
Achieve, Emerge, & Connect
Fourth-year SCAA students will spend time reflecting on their academic progress and personal goals they aimed to achieve during their undergraduate career. As students emerge as Hopkins alumnus, they will continue to broaden and deepen next steps toward their professional pathway(s). Through networking events and programs, fourth-year students will connect with fellow SCAA participants to share their undergraduate experience.
