For years, Northeastern University¡¯s School of Professional and Continuing Studies was losing its students at a disturbing rate. Seeking a new approach to an old problem, the university partnered with a firm that provides students with personal coaches who advise them on everything from academic progress to finances and health.

The Boston school was delighted by the results from hiring InsideTrack, a private, California-based coaching firm. In a pilot program launched during the spring of 2007, the school began providing 200 students with personal coaches to keep them motivated, focused and organized. They tracked the performance of the 200 students with coaches and 200 without. University officials found that students with coaches were 15 percent more likely to return for their second year.

¡°When students get the encouragement and guidance that most people need to thrive, they are much more likely to persist. InsideTrack believes that student success depends on the presence of multiple motivational factors, including caring, proactive management, frequent feedback, a sense of purpose, mentoring and recognition,¡± said Alan Tripp, founder and CEO of InsideTrack, during a recent presentation at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities¡¯ annual meeting.

Last year, Arizona State University and Lynn University, a small liberal arts college in Florida, signed contracts with InsideTrack to implement success coaching for first-year students.

Staying organized and on task was a challenge for Bradford Dworak, a freshman communications major at Arizona State University. Having the additional layer of support from his coach was helpful, Dworak says.

¡°College is a huge transition. It is nice to have someone there not just to help you with your math homework but with life. It is nice to have someone following you, keeping track of your progress and guiding you along your freshman year.¡±