By Alfonso Matarranz
In a candid conversation with Jesús “Chus” Díaz Sánchez, the driving force behind the Coaching Program at CIS University, we went into the heart of the initiative that’s transforming student lives.
Since its creation in the academic year 2021-2022, the Coaching Program has helped hundreds of students at this university. It is a powerful tool that showcases the strengths and weaknesses of our students, provides them with invaluable insights into their identity and performance, and supports them through their degree at CIS University.
“We have held more than 500 meetings with students and parents since 2021. This academic year the Coaching Program has met with more than a hundred students,” explained Chus Díaz.
All of the students who attend CIS University must take a test on their first day of classes to find out about their personality, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. After that, they meet with the head of the Coaching Program to find out more about themselves.
“It gives important information about students, their strong and weak points. It helps them look at themselves from a different perspective, and it helps us learn and understand our students better,” stated Jesús Díaz Sánchez.
The head of the program passionately articulated the fundamental principle that guides the Coaching Program’s success: students must be open to receiving assistance to truly make a difference in their lives. Otherwise, it would be impossible for students to get the help that they need and transform it into something positive. “For coaching to be successful, you need to be willing to receive help,” explained Chus.
He highlighted the program’s dedication to academic excellence, explaining that coaching helps students navigate the complexities of academic life by clearing away the obstacles that obscure their path to success. Consistent coaching support is provided to students struggling with a GPA below 2.0, reinforcing the commitment to their success. “We do constant coaching to students with a GPA below 2.0,” he emphasized.
A student who received help from this program and would like to remain anonymous explained that “the coaching was very helpful for me; it made me realise the things that I had to change, and they lent me the necessary tools in order to make that change.”
The Coaching Program is not only about academic success, but also about personal growth and resilience. It stands as a pilar of support and guidance that empowers students to overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and reach their fullest potential.
