DRC – Student Strategy and Success Program

What is the Student Strategy and Success Program?

The DRC Student Strategy and Success Program offers personalized support to help neurodivergent students move beyond accessibility and toward meaningful success. We recognize that every student brings unique strengths, experiences, and challenges, and we are committed to meeting students where they are in their university journey.

Because a fulfilling college experience includes both academic achievement and social development, our program takes a holistic approach to growth. Throughout the semester, we partner with students to identify, pursue, and achieve individualized goals across academic, social, and personal areas.

This initiative launched as a pilot program in Spring 2026 and will continue through the 2026–2027 academic year.

How does the Student Strategy and Success Program support students?

Weekly Meetings

Students will meet weekly with their assigned Strategy Coach throughout the semester, either in person or virtually.

Personalized Goals

Students in the Student Strategy and Success program will collaborate with their assigned Strategy Coach to develop up to three individualized goals based on their unique needs. Together, they will identify targeted strategies and tools to build skills, foster independence, and support overall success.

Students are expected to apply these strategies outside of coaching sessions, integrating them into their academic and social experiences to reinforce growth and progress.

By offering tailored support in areas such as executive functioning, social skills, career readiness, self-advocacy, study skills, and test-taking strategies, the program meets students where they are and empowers them to thrive both academically and personally.

Building Connections and Holistic Support

Through weekly meetings with their Strategy Coach, students build meaningful, supportive relationships that foster growth and accountability. These sessions provide space to strengthen skills not limited to study and organizational strategies, practice communicating with professors, explore involvement in campus clubs and social opportunities, and develop balanced weekly schedules that support both academic and personal life.

Group Activities on the San Luis Obispo campus

Students will have the opportunity to participate in regular social events and workshops, with the intent of developing community and supporting overall success.

• Study Halls
  • Student Strategy and Success Program study halls are offered up to five times per week. These sessions provide students with a quiet, low-pressure space to work alongside peers and put into practice the plans and strategies they develop with their Strategy Coach. These sessions use body doubling, which can help with focus and motivation while tackling assignments, studying, or project work. 
• Mustang Meet-up Mondays
  • Mustang Meet-up Mondays is a weekly group facilitated by Strategy Coaches. Students can suggest discussion topics or social activities, and facilitators select one focus each week. Past sessions have included a pizza social, conversation starters, a finals workshop, crafting, and a board game hour. Each session includes time to build connections through conversation, games, and other interactive activities. 
• Social Events
  • Strategy Coaches host several events each semester to encourage connection and community. Social activities may include a walk to the creamery for ice cream, trivia night, bowling at the UU, a hike to the Cal Poly “P,” or quiet, sensory-friendly meetups designed to support a variety of comfort levels and interests. Coaches can also accompany students to various events on campus to help promote campus-life participation and community. 

​​​​​​​Attendance and Participation

The Student Strategy and Success Coaching Program is free and has limited capacity. Participants are expected to attend regularly and communicate with their coach if they need to miss or reschedule a session. 
Participants may miss up to three hours of coaching per semester with advance notice when possible. We understand that disability symptoms, illness, and emergencies may arise; please contact your coach as soon as you are able. 
Students may be removed from the program after four missed sessions without communication and if they do not respond to outreach from their coach. Whenever possible, staff will first explore options such as adjusting meeting times or frequency, or pausing participation. 

Contact Information

Kathy Poggemann, DRC Lead Access Specialist

Student Strategy & Success Program Coordinator 

kpoggema@calpoly.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the deadline to apply for the Student Strategy and Success Program?

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis with no application deadline. Students are encouraged to apply before the semester begins; to maximize the number of sessions they can have with their Strategic Coach.

2. Does a student need to be registered with the DRC to participate in the Student Strategy and Success Program?

No, all Cal Poly students are welcome to apply for Strategic Coaching services.

3. Is Strategic Coaching available to graduate students?

Yes, Strategic Coaching is available to students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

4. How do students enroll in the Student Strategy and Success program?

Students must complete this online application form. Printed applications are also available at the Disability Resource Center front desk. Once an application is submitted, the program coordinator will follow up via Cal Poly email with next steps and any additional information needed.

5. Will all students who apply receive services?

Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be based on availability of Strategic Coaching staff.

6. Does the Student Strategy and Success Program cost money?

No. As a pilot program running from Spring 2026 through Spring 2027, Student Strategy and Success Program is currently offered at no cost to Cal Poly students.

7. What if I want to continue participating in the program next semester?

Enrolled students can request continued participation by informing their Strategy Coach or completing a continuation form before the end of the semester.

8. How do I know who I’m working with and when we will meet?

During the enrollment process, students respond to questions that help match them with a Strategy Coach. Prior to the start of the semester, participants will receive an email introducing them to their assigned coach.

As part of the initial communication, students are asked to indicate their preferred meeting days and times. Strategy Coaches use this information to create weekly meeting schedules and will confirm the finalized schedule with students via their Cal Poly email.

9. Can strategy coaching meetings occur virtually?

Yes, strategy coaching meetings can be in person, online or a combination of both. Currently, students at the Solano, Cuesta and Hancock campuses will meet with their strategy coach virtually.

10. Do strategy coaches have access to my syllabi and Canvas account?

Strategy Coaches may review course syllabi if students choose to share them. Coaches do not have access to students’ Canvas accounts unless a student logs in and shares their screen during a meeting.

11. Do Strategy Coaches have access to grades?

Strategy Coaches do not have access to a student’s grades.

12. Does Strategy Coaching include tutoring?

Strategy Coaching is not a tutoring service; but can be used to connect students with a tutor and other resources on campus.

13. Does Strategy Coaching include therapy?

Strategy Coaching is not counseling or therapy service. Students experiencing mental health challenges are encouraged to connect with Cal Poly CAPS.