Academic coaching team: Back row, from left: Arina Xiong, Alycia McNeil, Alex Jolly, Haydn Veith. Middle row, from left: Savina Reo, Xuyang (Elia) Chen, Taylor Bays, Emily Leach. Front row, from left: Anna Burns, Jackie Von Spiegel, interim director
Nestled between a diner and a bagel shop, inside the Younkin Success Center on Neil Avenue, data-driven strategy is being translated into practice. The Dennis Learning Center engages nearly 1,500 undergraduate students per year — more than any other program in our Department of Educational Studies — helping them become self-regulated learners, better manage their time and find tools to help them along their academic journey.
The research and service center is designed to help Ohio State students “study smarter” by strengthening learning, motivation and academic strategies that drive success. Through seven dynamic undergraduate courses, students from every major learn evidence-based approaches to studying, time management-based approaches to studying, time management and self- regulation.
Students are invited to put those strategies into action immediately. The center’s theory-into-practice design ensures students don’t just understand the science of learning; they actively apply it to transform their learning, performance and confidence.
Practice design ensures students don’t just understand the science of learning; they actively apply it to transform their learning, performance and confidence. Beyond the classroom, the center brings theories of learning and motivation to life through engaging, high-impact programming. A bonus: Free, one-on-one academic coaching pairs students with trained academic coaches — their peers! — who help them identify strengths and weaknesses, reduce procrastination, sharpen test-taking skills, build motivation and create personalized study plans.
The center offers structured study sessions that boost focus and accountability, along with campus-wide events designed to spark motivation throughout the semester.
These services reflect Dennis Learning Center’s mission to support undergraduate, graduate and professional students across the Ohio State community and empower every learner to thrive.
We asked two peer academic coaches — undergraduate student workers Arina Xiong and Savina Reo — what makes Dennis Learning Center tick.
Q: What’s one thing you wish every Ohio State student knew about academic coaching?
A: Reo: Academic coaching is not just for when you are struggling. It is a space to build real strategies, reflect on what is working and create systems that make college feel more doable and less overwhelming.
Xiong: Every (learning) strategy works differently on different people. Once you’ve tried it, you will notice if it fits into your routine naturally.
Q: What DLC strategy do you personally use?
A: Xiong: Five-day study plan (a strategy that helps break down topics, outline material, create flashcards, self-test, etc.). This is really an easy tool that’s really powerful. It applies to all subjects and absolutely helps lock (in) my review session to make it more likely to happen.
Reo: Time Blocking (regularly scheduling chunks of study time) with a Daily Top 3 (prioritizing top three daily tasks and sticking to them). As a busy student balancing classes, coaching and everything else, it helps me stay realistic with my time and focus on what actually moves me toward my goals.
Q: What’s the vibe of the DLC team in three words?
A: Xiong: Open, free speech, supportive.
Reo: Supportive, growth-focused, collaborative.
Q: What’s your go- to study spot on campus?
A: Xiong: Thompson Library. The views are good. Food in the cafe tastes good. I always find a comfortable spot right there.
Reo: Definitely the Dennis Learning Center in Younkin. I like the structured environment, and being around other focused students helps me stay accountable.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of supporting Ohio State students?
A: Xiong: When they have follow-up questions and take notes of what I (taught them).
Reo: Seeing students realize they are capable of more than they think. When someone starts to trust their own process and gains confidence, that is the best part of coaching for me.
Q: What’s your productivity alter ego (“The Deadline Sprinter,” “The Sticky Note Note Sorcerer”)?
A: Reo: “The Strategy Builder.” I love helping students take big goals and turn them into clear, manageable action steps.