Starting college can feel a bit like stepping into the Wild West. New classes, new people, and a whole new level of independence that can be exciting...but also overwhelming. Lucky for you, at the University of Wyoming, students don’t have to go solo. That’s where Cowboy Coaches come in. From trying to figure out where your classes are to balancing studying with your social life, you’re not alone. You’ve got someone to coach you along every step of your college journey.

Cowboy Coaches are student peer mentors at UW who are here to help you adjust to life in college. They’re experienced UW students who help newer students navigate the ins and outs of campus life, all while providing support along the way. Think of it as having a personal guide who has already walked the path you’re about to take.

The group of Cowboy Coaches ready to help you on your student journey at UW!

From Confused Freshman to Cowboy Coach

When I first came to the University of Wyoming, I soon realized how many moving pieces come with starting college. Between figuring out where everything was on campus and trying to make the most of all that UW has to offer, it can feel like a lot all at once. It didn’t take long to grasp how important it is to have someone point me in the right direction, especially someone who had been in my shoes.

During my first year, I quickly learned that college success isn’t just about going to class and performing well on exams. It’s about learning how to manage your time, find resources, and build connections and community. Looking back, I wish someone had walked me through the finer details, such as how to build a realistic study schedule, which campus resources were the most helpful for me, and how to balance academics while staying involved on campus. Those small pieces of guidance can make a huge difference when everything feels so new.

That realization was the foundation of why I became a Cowboy Coach. I wanted to support students who might be feeling the same way I once did and help make a seemingly daunting transition to college a little easier. Since becoming a Cowboy Coach, I have not only been able to fulfill this goal, but I have also met so many amazing people who have taught me a lot. Some of my favorite moments as a Cowboy Coach come from the simplest conversations. I’ve met with many students who were stressed beyond measure before their first round of exams and was able to connect them with tutoring or study resources, which helped them crush it. I’ve grabbed coffee with students who weren’t sure where to start and just needed to set some goals for their semester. I’ve also had students come back at the end of a semester just to chat about their accomplishments, whether that’s doing well on an exam, joining a club, or simply making new friends. Moments like these remind me why Cowboy Coaching matters and never fails to make me smile. Turns out, helping others navigate college is a lot easier once you’ve survived your own first semester.

What exactly is a cowboy coach?

Cowboy Coaches are peer mentors who work with UW students, specifically first-year and incoming transfer students, aiding them in their transition to college. Because we coaches are students ourselves, we understand and have lived the challenges of balancing classes, social life, and everything in between.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed with the thought of having to figure everything out on your own, a Cowboy Coach is there both as a resource and support system. Cowboy Coaches assist with several aspects of the college transition, such as advice on time management, navigating campus resources, or simply setting goals for the semester. Whether it’s a quick question, or a bigger challenge, Cowboy Coaches are here to help students work through any feat.

Students take part in snowmen crafting as a part of Winter Welcome Back, one of many events hosted alongside Cowboy Coaches.

Cowboy Coaching goes far beyond just answering questions. We help students build confidence and develop the necessary skills to accel at UW.

Some of the ways Cowboy Coaches support students include:

One-on-one meetings with students to talk through goals, challenges, and strategies for success

Helping students create realistic plans for managing coursework, extracurriculars, and personal responsibilities

Connecting students with campus resources (e.g., advising, tutoring, counseling services, financial aid, career exploration opportunities, etc.)

Encouraging and helping students to get involved in clubs, organizations, and campus activities

Sending out updates about events, opportunities, and key moments during the semester that students should be aware of

Hosting and promoting events such as Readiness Rally, Transfer Breakfast, and fun community-building events like karaoke nights or bingo nights

Explore Student Success Events

Check out upcoming events from karaoke night to Readiness Rally, Cowboy Coaches are here to support your student journey.

Why should you meet with a cowboy coach?

Meeting with a Cowboy Coach is perhaps the quickest and easiest way to start setting yourself up for success. We’ve been where you might be now, are equipped with knowledge about the resources available to you, and truly want to see you thrive here at UW.

There are also some perks when meeting with a Cowboy Coach:

Free coffee or drink: students can grab a beverage with a Cowboy Coach at various locations on campus for free.

Cowboy Card: A punch card that encourages students to complete important success milestones throughout the semester.

Free swag: From mugs to scarves to crewnecks, meeting with a Cowboy Coach can earn you some free UW gear.

With a Cowboy Coach in your corner, you’ll always have someone cheering you on, providing guidance when things get tough, and helping you make the most of your time at the University of Wyoming.

How do i schedule an appointment?

Meeting with a Cowboy Coach is simple and flexible. While all first-year and incoming transfer students are assigned a Cowboy Coach at the beginning of the semester, all students are welcome to book an appointment with a Cowboy Coach.

Students with assigned Cowboy Coaches will hear from them throughout the semester via email and Navigate messages. These communications often include reminders about important academic deadlines, events happening on campus or around Laramie, and tips for navigating the semester, such as preparing for midterms, deciding to live on or off campus the following year, or finding opportunities to get involved. Not a first year student? You can still meet with Cowboy Coach! Meetings can be scheduled in person or over Zoom, and students are always welcome to drop into the Student Success & Graduation Hub

Meet your Cowboy Coach

Meetings can be scheduled in person or over Zoom!

Ride Toward Success with Cowboy Coaching

Navigating college can feel overwhelming, but Cowboy Coaches are here to make the transition to UW nice and smooth. Whether you need advice on time management, you’re trying to get involved on campus, or even just want to talk, Cowboy Coaches are here every step of the way. Success isn’t just about attending class; it’s about finding support, building connections, and making the most of your college experience. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to help you truly thrive as a Poke, so if you’re ever feeling unsure about your next step, reach out to a Cowboy Coach!