PNCA Academic Wellness

Academic Coaching

Open Studio

The Academic Support Center provides a study hall space for students to work on assignments. Whenever the PNCA building is open, you can use ASC for non-wet or studio-based work, offering a quiet and supportive environment for your academic projects.

ASC Workshops

Expand Your Academic Toolkit

Each semester our Academic Coaches and Assistant Director of Academic Support hold a variety of workshops within classrooms and the Mediatheque. 

These interactive, hands-on workshops are designed to broaden your academic resource toolkit. Example topics include:

• Time Management
• Goal setting
• Study skills
• Dealing with stress
• Overcoming perfectionism

These workshops encourage in-person participation to foster collaboration and active learning. Join us to enhance your skills and connect with fellow students.

The Writing Studio is a drop-in space for PNCA undergraduate and graduate students to work on writing assignments and have support from student Writing Specialists as needed. 

At the Writing Studio, students can get help with classroom assignments (discussion posts, analytical essays, research papers), proposals for grants or residencies, artist statements, content for artist websites, and any other written materials. 

Writing Specialists offer help with the following

• Generate and organize ideas
• Edit and revise written work, create new drafts
• Improve style, mechanics, and writing skills

The Writing Studio is open and ready for all students – we recognize the challenges that neurodivergent and non-native speakers face in creating and revising written work and are here to help! Please keep in mind that Writing Specialists will not do a full edit (spelling, grammar, mechanics) but will help with strategies to improve writing. 

At PNCA, we recognize the importance of supporting all aspects of your well-being. Our holistic approach ensures you have access to a range of services designed to help you thrive both personally and academically.

Counseling Services

Our free and confidential counseling services provide a safe space to discuss and navigate various concerns, including:

• Stress and anxiety
• Academic difficulties
• Identity formation
• Depression and relationship concerns

With no session limits, our dedicated counselors offer flexible short-term counseling and case-management services to help you secure specialized care and navigate the insurance process.

Health Coach

PNCA students have access to comprehensive, medically accurate, inclusive health coaching and education on any health-related topic through the PNCA Office of Health Coaching and Education. The health coach is not a medical provider or therapist, but rather a certified public health professional who can answer questions, provide education, and assist students in connecting to appropriate physical and mental healthcare services in the Portland Metro area. Students may seek help from the health coach for anything related to their physical or mental health. Education from the health coach is always based on current public health best practices and is free from judgment and stigma, no matter the subject area or question being asked. Information disclosed to the health coach is not confidential, but will always be treated with respect and dignity.

Guided Every Step of the Way

From the moment you enter PNCA, you’ll be supported by dedicated mentors and advisors:

• First Year Advisor: Assigned from day one, your Professional Advisor will help you navigate your first year of college life.
• Program (Faculty) Advisor: Starting your sophomore year, you’ll be paired with a Faculty Advisor who will guide you through your academic journey, helping with course selection and career planning.
• Thesis Mentor: In addition to your faculty advisor, in your senior year, you’ll work closely with a Thesis Mentor to develop your Thesis Project.

Students who have questions related to advising, transfer credit, or academic requirements of majors may contact Max Winthrop, Academic Advisor.