College of Charleston Introduces Life Design Program

^{Above: Students work on their Life Designs in the Life Design Center}

College is a launchpad for life, and this academic year, College of Charleston students have the opportunity to take part in a new initiative to shape their time on campus and beyond.

The new College of Charleston Life Design Coaching Program is an innovative, campus-wide initiative intended to help CofC students live and learn with purpose, confidence and intention.

The program is based on Stanford University’s Designing Your Life model, and the College is one of the first universities in the Southeast to implement the framework college-wide. The School of Business has been piloting the program over past three years. To date, there are 26 Stanford-trained life design coaches on campus, with six dedicated to the initiative full time. Life design coach training opportunities will be open to any interested faculty and staff members over the coming year.  

“This nationally recognized approach supports our 10-year strategic plan and showcases our deep commitment to holistic student development,” says President Andrew T. Hsu. “It’s our belief that higher education should empower students to earn a valuable degree and to design a meaningful life.”

The two-part program focuses on experiences that help students make the most of their college years and beyond. First-year students focus on Design Your Charleston, thoughtfully and intentionally creating a plan for academic success, personal experiences and early career development. This motivates proactivity in areas that include advising, student affairs, career development, wellness, leadership and experiential learning.

“Life Design is all about helping you figure out what you want in college, in your career and in life, even if you’re not sure where to start,” says Hsu. “It gives you real tools to explore your options, make decisions and move forward with confidence.”

Throughout their time on campus, students will have access to: 

• Life design coaches to help design the college journey and beyond 
• Peer coaches trained to guide students through the process 
• Events, workshops and small-group Life Design Circles, where students can connect with one another and acquire powerful tools for making their time at the College memorable, meaningful and intentional 

“The goal is to help every student explore who they are, imagine what’s possible and chart their own, unique approach for a life that encompasses their interests, dreams and hopes,” says Kristen McMullen, director of the School of Business Student Success Center, who is serving as the interim executive director of Life Design Coaching Programs. “It’s not ‘cookie cutter,’ it’s life design tailored in a very simple way, to be flexible and to meet students where they are, while encouraging them to dream big.”  

In their final year on campus, students enter the second phase of the program, Life Launch, which helps soon-to-be graduates purposefully design life after graduation. 

To get started, students should complete an interest form.