The Academic Guides program integrates academic coaching and whole student support into the fabric of the Duke campus residential experience. Embracing the idea that true academic success comes from overall well-being, our purpose is to listen to your concerns, support you in and out of the classroom, and connect you with any and all resources you need to thrive as a Duke student.
- How do I..?
You might want some input from others when thinking about how to plan your semester and overall course of study, make the most of your summer, and study away from Duke for course credit. Luckily, there is a robust network of advisors across multiple offices who are available to you as you plan your academic experience, including your college advisor, Director of Academic Engagement, peer advisor, pre-professional advisor, and advisors at the Career Center or Global Education Office.
There are MANY advisors available to you, and this is great, but we know it can also be confusing and overwhelming. Your Academic Guide can sort through the information with you, pinpoint the best place to start, and connect you with the students, faculty and staff who are best suited to answer your questions. Learn More.
You may need to use new or different strategies to tackle the coursework you’ll encounter at Duke so you can not only succeed in your classes but also enjoy them and make time for everything else. Your Academic Guide can connect you with Learning Consultants at the Academic Resource Center (ARC), Writing Consultants at the Thompson Writing Program (TWP) Writing Studio, and peer study groups, among other resources.
Your Academic Guide can also coach you on developing an action plan for developing the confidence and skills that will help you thrive academically. Learn More.
There are many opportunities for Duke students across fields to get involved with faculty-mentored research, study abroad, service-learning and other co-curricular activities. Engaging in research and learning outside the classroom can be a powerful way to explore your intellectual interests, introduce you to research methods in your field(s) of interest, and learn how to reach out to faculty.
Your Academic Guides can help direct you to resources for connecting with faculty mentors, applying for undergraduate research grants, and thinking through co-curricular activities that complement your interests. Learn More.
Knowing how to and why you might want to develop relationships with professors, TAs, and staff is not something you have been, or will be, taught, even though these relationships can be integral to your success. The Academic Guides have created some tips and templates for you to use if you are wondering how to write an appropriate email, make the most of office hours, ask for a letter of recommendation, or get to know your professor. The Office of Undergraduate Education also organizes formal programs designed to foster faculty-student engagement.
Your Academic Guide can walk you through these and other needs and expectations that are not widely talked about (even though they should be). Learn More.
In addition to developing academically, your Duke experience is also meant for you to explore your identities and pursue meaning and purpose. Your Academic Guide can connect you with campus resources and engage in reflective conversations with you to encourage your development in these areas. Learn More.
Making friends and building a sense of community during your time at Duke is an important part of your personal development and general well-being. Your Academic Guide can help you discover opportunities for connecting with different groups and centers on campus. Learn More.
Maintaining and nurturing your sense of well-being is a vital part of your life as a Duke student. Duke has many resources for supporting your self-care habits and for connecting you with counseling services and wellness programming. Learn More.
Finding and managing financial resources is an important part of the Duke experience. There are many campus resources that can help you identity funding sources for tuition and college living and for funding co-curricular opportunities that you may want to participate in. Learn More.
Your Duke education can prepare you for many different paths, but deciding which path is right for you and learning how to get there (or create it!) can be overwhelming. Along with your Academic Guide, a number of resources on campus can help you clarify how you want to contribute to the world, point you to relevant opportunities, and show you how to take your next steps forward. Take advantage of these resources early and often to make this challenging process a bit easier and to make purposeful choices as you leave Duke. Learn More.
