Transitioning into college is a major life change, especially for first generation students who may be navigating academic expectations and campus life without prior family experience to guide them. At Ohio State Lima, the Peer Coaching Program offers a compassionate and effective source of support by pairing new students with trained undergraduate peer coaches who help ease this transition and strengthen student wellbeing.
The program, coordinated through Lima Counseling and Consultation Services, or LCCS, is built on a simple but powerful philosophy, students often open up more readily to other students. Peer coaches serve as approachable guides who can help new Buckeyes develop essential skills, build connections, and access campus resources early in their academic journey.
A supportive bridge for incoming students
Designed originally for first generation students, the program includes two one-on-one meetings during the first semester. These sessions focus on skills such as time management, healthy study habits, motivation, stress management and navigating academic and personal responsibilities. Peer coaches also help students connect with essential campus resources, including tutoring, career services, disability services and the learning center.
This peer-based model serves as an early layer of prevention, helping students address challenges before they become crises. It also strengthens belonging, which has a direct correlation with academic success and retention.
“The goal is to increase engagement because engagement has benefits,” said Samantha Haudenschield, PsyD, licensed psychologist and coordinator of Lima Counseling and Consultation Services. “Participate in events, go places, and talk to your professors. Any little thing that increases involvement helps students feel like they fit in, and feel like they belong here, and that it is their campus.”
Intensive training prepares peer coaches to lead
Peer coaches are carefully selected through a competitive application process and complete extensive training, including Certified Peer Educator national certification. In autumn 2025, the program included three peer coaches who collectively completed 26 hours of training, participated in outreach events such as the Student Wellness Fair and Friendsgiving, earned internship credit, and conducted 104 individual coaching meetings with students.
This training prepares coaches not only to support their peers, but also to grow as emerging professionals. Many participants pursue careers in psychology, social work, education or other helping professions.
Coaches describe the experience as transformative:
“I am taking away a lot of confidence. I feel like I am more stable in my future career path,” said Brinkman.
“I gained stronger listening skills, confidence and professionalism. I also learned how to support someone without trying to solve everything by myself,” said Benton.
Expanding capacity to support student wellness
Beyond individual meetings, peer coaches help deliver campus outreach and wellness programs that reach the broader student population. Their involvement expands the reach of LCCS, enabling the center to meet increasing student needs more quickly and effectively.
The Peer Coaching Program provides a welcoming entry point for students who may be hesitant to seek counseling or unsure of where to begin. Coaches help remove barriers, reduce stigma, and ensure that students feel seen, supported and connected from their first weeks on campus.
A high impact program with long term benefits
For new students, peer coaching can be the difference between struggling in silence and finding a clear path to success. For peer coaches, the program provides a hands-on leadership experience that builds confidence and prepares them for future careers. For the campus, it is a critical initiative that strengthens student wellbeing, belonging and academic persistence.
Growing and sustaining this program requires continued investment and community support. As student needs evolve, so does the importance of expanding peer-based resources that create early, meaningful connections.
Building a foundation for student success
To meet these rising needs, the Ohio State Lima Health, Wellness, and Recreation Fund (#315436) supports a range of critical services, from individual counseling to wellness programming and preventative outreach. These services help students build coping strategies, manage stress, navigate academic challenges and connect with campus resources.
Investing in student wellness ensures that every student has the support they need to thrive not only academically, but personally and professionally. Mental and physical wellbeing are essential foundations for success, and strengthening these supports helps create a campus environment where all students can feel safe, connected and capable of meeting their goals.
A community role in student wellbeing
As student needs continue to grow in both volume and complexity, community support becomes even more vital. Donor contributions directly enable the campus to expand clinical capacity, enhance programming and ensure that students in need are seen quickly and compassionately.
The Day of Giving provides an important opportunity for the community to rally around student wellness and make a meaningful difference in students’ daily lives.
Day of Giving call to action
Your gift to the Ohio State Lima Health, Wellness, and Recreation Fund (#315436) helps sustain and grow student support programs like Peer Coaching, ensuring that every new Buckeye feels connected, confident, and supported.
- Early Giving Challenge, March 23 to April 11:
If 15 donors give to this fund, it unlocks an additional $1,000. - Day of Giving Power Hour, April 14, 3 to 5 p.m.:
If 5 donors contribute during this window, the fund unlocks another $1,500.
Every contribution strengthens programs that directly impact student wellbeing and success.
You can help empower the next generation of students. Your gift creates real, immediate change.