There are numerous resources at Tulsa Community College (TCC) available at students’ disposal for their success, and the best part is that they come at no extra cost. One great resource offered through Student Success Services is group study sessions.
In a conversation with Douglas Allen, lead academic success coach, he says, “I want students to realize that they have help here and talk about how to improve.” This is the essence of these sessions. Study groups are free for TCC students and available in-person or online.
For an hour and thirty minutes, students engage in structured study group sessions, which are facilitated by an academic success coach who is supported by a team of tutors and peer mentors. The tutors comprise both current students and alumni, while peer mentors are actively enrolled students at TCC.
Alongside study groups, Student Success offers academic success coaching. This program first started in 2023, and the results have been inspiring.
According to the TCC Institution of Research, retention rates are 13.2% higher for students that are academically coached than those that are not. Return rates for students after suspension are 8.5% for uncoached students and 20% for coached students.
The GPAs of coached students are 37% higher than those of uncoached students. And overall student outcomes are 2.5% higher for students that receive academic coaching at TCC.
During a study group session, bring your homework and have a seat at the table. Sign-in and get to studying! You are supported by a council of friendly, helpful peers, and professionals who are eager to help you with whatever subject you are taking at the college. Periodically, lunch is provided.
The academic success coach educates you on successful habits like the importance of study breaks. The study break for this Spring 2025 session included a round of useful academic success tips in the form of a Kahoot game.
One nugget of knowledge shared in this study session was that listening to classical or instrumental music is more productive for studying than music with lyrics or TV shows.
It is a judgment-free learning environment where you also feel free to pick the brain of the success coach and tutors. One TCC student in this study group asked, “What should we do if we are experiencing zero motivation to study?”
Allen, the lead academic success coach, explained that at times like that we need to have a goal and keep it in mind daily. “Whether it is through a vision board, post-its on the wall, or motivational quotes in sight… having these visuals will help keep you on track.”
At the very end of the session, you will complete the “Study Session Assessment” online, where you will give feedback on your experience. There is also a drawing held at the end of each week, and students who participate more often have a higher chance of winning. The winners are contacted via email, and awards are given individually.
Guided study sessions are available at various on-campus locations and dates. Sign up today for an opportunity to refine your study habits and collaborate with students working collectively to support mutual academic success.
To get more information about guided study sessions, visit https://www.tulsacc.edu/support/community-learning/coaching-programming/peer-coaches-mentors
