CSUSB Alumni Serves as Academic Coach for SAIL
James Leduc took on his new role as the Academic Coach for the Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) program in August. In his role, James provides individual and group academic coaching to students in the areas of college success and learning strategies, goal setting, writing and academic reading development, time management, test-taking, motivation, and academic self-confidence development.
In addition, he provides students math and computer application support, helps them navigate college life, and teaches students how to advocate for their education.
As an Academic Coach, James also gets to facilitate workshops focused on study skills development and student success strategies, which is an aspect of the job he really enjoys. Throughout his career, James has presented at seven professional conferences and led professional development meetings. Most recently, he was nominated to serve as the keynote speaker for a professional conference.
James’ path to CSUSB began at Riverside City College (RCC) when he began working at the computer lab on campus as a student. He was quickly put into a leadership role, and the position opened doors for James that led him into the supplemental instruction field. It was there that he also met his mentor.
In 2018, James transferred to CSUSB from RCC and began working as a Senior Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader as a student and was later promoted to SI Specialist. Before he graduated from CSUSB, James played an instrumental role in helping the SI program get accredited through the International Center for Supplemental Instruction. James earned his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in December 2022.
For James, the best part about his role as an Academic Coach are his colleagues and the students.
“The people I work with they're so positive, so helpful, so uplifting,” said James. “I love working with the students, talking with them, sharing ideas.”
He added, “I love new perspectives beyond my own, and I really enjoy that part.”
The Student Assistance in Learning (SAIL) program is a Student Support Services project that is part of the federally funded TRIO family. The program provides academic, financial, career/graduate school, and personal support and guidance services to undergraduate students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities, all with the goal of increasing retention and graduation rates.