The start of the academic year brings me the opportunity to connect with new students and introduce them to the benefits of coaching. I believe that as coaches, we carry a profound responsibility not just to help students navigate degree pathways, but to ensure every student feels genuinely seen, heard, and supported throughout their journey. One way to ensure this is to cultivate an inclusive coaching practice.
Creating an inclusive coaching practice is an ongoing commitment to examining how our approaches, assumptions, and systems either open doors or quietly close them for students from marginalized communities.
Here are three ways to create an inclusive coaching practice:
- Increase Self-Awareness – Reflect upon your identities, privileges, and biases. Consider how your lived experience shapes how you coach, including the questions you ask.
- Adjust your approach for different needs – Offer multiple meeting formats (in-person, virtual, walking) to remove barriers related to disabilities, work schedules, transportation, etc. When students are provided with flexible options to access coaching, this demonstrates intention towards welcoming a diverse range of students.
- Use Culturally Responsive Communication – Avoid deficit-based language that frames students as problems to solve. Instead, adopt an asset-based approach that recognizes the strengths students bring to campus. Ask open-ended questions. Listen actively. Honor cultural values around family, community, and decision-making that may influence a student’s goals.
Cultivating an inclusive coaching practice is an intentional process of self-reflection, ongoing learning, and a willingness to adjust and adapt.
What are you doing to create an inclusive coaching practice?
September Dates of Note
- September 7, on the first Monday of the month – is Labor Day. Canadians also observe Labour Day.
- September 11 is Patriot Day, held in honor and remembrance of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
- September 11 also starts Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the new year.September 20 marks the start of Yom Kippur at sundown.
- September 21 is recognized as the annual International Day of Peace. Observances range from a moment of silence at noon to events such as peace walks, concerts, and volunteering in the community.
- September 22 marks the start of fall! This year’s Autumnal Equinox occurs at 8:05 P.M. EDT. On this date, there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.