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College Success Coaches
Students Transitioning through Education Programs Successfully (S.T.E.P.S.)

The S.T.E.P.S. program was developed by Paul D. Camp Community College in alignment with the Virginia’s Community Colleges Chancellor’s College Success Coach Initiative. The goal of S.T.E.P.S. is to provide the support needed to increase the number of students who graduate with associate degrees, earn a certificate, or transfer to other institutions of higher education.

Through personal coaching, S.T.E.P.S. encourages and empowers students to achieve their personal, academic, and career goals by identifying and accessing on and off campus resources. We believe all students can benefit from working one-on-one with a Success Coach to build a foundation for a successful semester and academic year.

How can a S.T.E.P.S. College Success Coach help?

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Drop-In or Make an Appointment

Meet with a College Success Coach to enhance the Camp experience! Success Coaches use individualized plans to support and guide students to find their direction for success. Students feel more confident in their abilities, while learning about the many resources available at Camp.

Students can meet with a Success Coach on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, etc.) or meet with a specific need.

Topics are customized to each student’s situation and may include: 

  • Communication
  • Goal setting & monitoring progress
  • Staying organized
  • Dealing with life situations
  • Study skills
  • Stress management
  • Who to ask for help, referrals to resources

Campus Drop-in hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm*

Appointments are also available (in person, by phone, Zoom)

Tisha Evans Franklin, Room 120C 757-569-6780 tevans@pdc.edu Make Appointment
with Tisha Evans
Morris Barnes Suffolk, Room 112D 757-925-6326 mbarnes@pdc.edu Make Appointment
with Morris Barnes

*Summer hours of operation may differ.


College Success Student Resources

S.T.E.P.S. combines both academic and non-academic resources to support student success and increase retention rates. The Community Resources Toolkit, which is aligned with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, was developed by the College Success Program to link students to non-academic supports.

The Community Resources Toolkit provides a list of over 200 community resources including food, shelter, clothing and transportation.

S.T.E.P.S. Community Resources Toolkit

If you know of any organizations that might be relevant to our students, please complete the form at this link: https://forms.gle/4xnJXqURTdNsJ7G36

We are looking for the following information:

  • Name of Place
  • Address
  • Phone Number(s)
  • Contact Person (if available) 
  • Website (if available)
  • Description of Services Provided

Other Student Resources

Camp Food Pantry

Single Stop at Camp

Student Emergency Fund

TimelyCare Free Mental Health Support


College Success Workshops – Designed with the busy Student in mind!

Tuesday TalksCampus Conversations

Join us during fall and spring semesters for our informal, 30-minute conversations to help you stay on track to meet your goals. A variety of success topics are presented each semester. Sessions are open to everyone. Tuesday Talks are offered on Tuesdays at the Franklin Campus. Campus Conversations are held on Thursdays at the Suffolk campus.

Faculty and Staff may contact a College Success Coach to request a custom workshop for a course or lunch and learn.

Topics include:

  • Time Management
  • Communicating with Professors and Instructors
  • SMART Goal Setting
  • Bouncing Back
  • Motivation and Persistence
  • Using College and Community Resources
  • Success in Online Classes
  • Overcoming Procrastination

Helpful Videos

Accessing Canvas and Student Email On Your Computer

Being Successful At Camp

Communicating Effectively In A Learning Environment

Keeping Up With Your Assignments

Plan For Success

Purchasing Your Books At Camp

Reduce Stress When You Test

Requesting To Meet With Your Professor

Sending An Appropriate Email

SMART Goals

Tips For Navigating The Online and Hybrid Course Option