CPS Success Coaching
Overview
- All recent graduates from Cincinnati Public Schools are paired with an individualized Success Coach for at least the duration of their first year at UC Blue Ash who will provide support and outreach towards college success including support and referrals in academic, financial and social contexts.
- Success Coaches serve as a centralized resource and advocate by providing high-touch, wrap-around support for students in one place
- Students register for a required bi-weekly Success Coach Seminar course, which reviews topics such as navigating campus resources and financial aid, personal goal setting, time and task management, physical and emotional wellness, etc.
- Students engage in monthly 1:1 required meetings with their Success Coach to review progress towards their goals, timely deadlines, celebrate successes, and address challenges or barriers
- Cincinnati Pride Grant (CPG) recipients (Pell-eligible, CPS graduates) are instructed to complete the requirements of the UCBA CPS Success Coaching program in order to stay on track and maintain financial aid eligibility
Mission & Learning Outcomes
Mission
Our mission is to inspire and empower students to confidently and capably navigate their transitions to college, and be healthy human beings, engaged learners and involved community members within and beyond UCBA.
Purpose
Support students and increase retention, graduation rates and academic success for CPS graduates as indicated by the CPS Strong initiative within UC's Strategic Plan.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Identify the steps involved in acquiring and maintaining financial aid including FAFSA submission, following through on verification requests, checking bill status, and satisfying Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP.)
- Identify habits that promote their physical and emotional well-being.
- Explain the roles of academic advisers, identify when and how to make academic advising appointments, and prepare in advance to maximize the effectiveness of their advising appointments.
- Explain habits that support their academic success (such as effective study skills, effective task and time management, proactive communication with instructors, and ongoing self-assessment of strengths and gaps in learning strategies and behaviors.)
- Accurately assess and explain their academic progress in each class at any juncture of the semester.
- Identify and utilize people, resources and opportunities that support their personal and academic success as well as enhance their overall experience at UCBA and UC.
Meet the Staff
Missy Graf
Missy Graf
Success Coach
513-558-7919
grafms@ucmail.uc.edu
I enjoy cooking, cheering on college sports (basketball and baseball are my favorite), spending time with my family, and all things Disney. My favorite places to vacation include Disney World and any beach!
I hold a B.A. in Secondary English Education from Miami, University in Oxford, OH; an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University; and a M.Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Cincinnati. The first 19 years of my educational career were spent teaching high school English at Holmes High School in Covington, Kentucky. I moved to higher education in the fall of 2019, where I currently serve as a success coach and adjunct instructor. As a success coach, I provide wrap around services to first year students and beyond, providing students with specific skills and strategies necessary to successfully complete college courses and accomplish their academic goals.
Dr. Alice Hicks
Dr. Alice Hicks
Success Coach
513-558-9450
hickscae@ucmail.uc.edu
I enjoy playing piano, walking, bicycling, watching classic sitcoms and game shows, and exploring new cities while touring college and university campuses. One of my greatest joys is spending time with my two-and-a-half-year-old great nieces and imparting to them the values of generosity, gentleness, and gratitude.
I hold a BA in Criminal Justice, a master’s in student Personnel Administration, and a Doctorate in Leadership in Higher Education. As a Success Coach in Student Life, I am passionate about supporting first-generation college students, like me, who were the first in their families to attend college and face unique challenges in their academic journey. My role allows me to guide and empower students to achieve their goals, successfully matriculate through their academic programs, and encourages them to continue becoming a better version of themselves.
Morgan Molihan
Morgan Molihan
Success Coach
I am an avid reader, enjoy trying new places to eat, and love to travel.
I have a Bachelor's in Science from Virginia Tech and my Master's in Education from North Carolina A&T. I have spent 8 years working in education from a public school, to a community college, to now UCBA. We made the decision to move to Cincinnati and that lead me to my current role as a Success Coach and Adjunct Instructor. In both of these roles, I help students navigate the collegiate transition through 1:1 meetings and creating an inclusive learning community in the classroom.
Hannah Thompson
Joseph White
Joseph White
Success Coach
When I'm not working at UCBA, I like to spend my time kicking it with my friends and family. I enjoy playing fighting games (SF6), reading, listening to music, and, among other things, volunteering my time with different grassroots groups.
I graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and minors in sociology and Africana Studies. Before accepting my position at UCBA as a Success Coach, I worked in the Office of Admissions. I have always been passionate about using my gifts to make things easier for those who come behind me, so working a role where I am actively aiding so many first-generation college students has been a real treat. "Lift as you climb" is a quote that takes up a lot of space in my head.
Resources
Contact Information
Student Life Office
Muntz Hall | Room 112
Phone: 513-558-9429
Email: bastdlfe@uc.edu