Starting a new role can feel exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between, especially in student housing where no two days are ever the same.
At Student Quarters, we never want anyone to feel like they’re figuring it out alone. That’s exactly why the SQ Coach Program exists.
The 8-week onboarding program pairs new managers with experienced Student Quarters leaders who help guide them through their first several weeks with the SQuad. More than anything, the program is designed to create connection, build confidence, and remind new hires that they have an entire SQuad behind them from day one.
Coaches become mentors, resources, sounding boards, and sometimes just the person a new hire needs when they have a question or need reassurance during those first few weeks.
What Inspired the SQ Coach Program
The SQ Coach Program originally started to provide additional support during onboarding. Over the past five years, it has evolved into something much bigger.
While training is still an important part of the program, today’s focus is just as much about people as it is processes. It’s about helping new hires feel comfortable asking questions, building relationships across the portfolio, and gaining confidence as they settle into their role.
Because at Student Quarters, we know people are more successful when they feel supported.
How the Program Works
The program follows an 8-week structure with at least one video call each week between the Coach and new hire.
The first few weeks are heavily focused on learning the role, understanding responsibilities, and getting comfortable with the day-to-day. As the program continues, the conversations naturally shift toward building confidence, finding a routine, and navigating challenges that come with stepping into a new position.
Throughout the process, Coaches are there to answer questions, share advice, offer perspective, and help new hires feel supported every step of the way.
The Impact Across the SQuad
The impact of the SQ Coach Program can be felt across the SQuad.
New hires consistently share that the program helps them feel welcomed, supported, and more connected during their first several weeks with Student Quarters. It has also created stronger relationships across the portfolio by connecting team members from different communities, roles, and markets.
One of the biggest takeaways from new hires has been confidence. Many shared that having a Coach helped them feel more comfortable asking questions, working through challenges, and finding their voice early on.
Based on feedback from the 2025–2026 program cycle:
• 90% of new hires said the Coach Program positively impacted their onboarding experience
• 89% felt comfortable being honest with their Coach about challenges they were facing
• 82% rated their Coach’s effectiveness as 5 out of 5 stars
• 93% said their Coach helped them feel welcomed and supported during their first 8 weeks
Growth Opportunities for Coaches
Being an SQ Coach also creates growth opportunities for the Coaches themselves. Coaches get the opportunity to step into leadership roles, mentor others, strengthen communication skills, and help shape someone else’s experience at Student Quarters. It also allows them to build relationships across the portfolio and continue growing professionally within the company.
Our Coaches are SQuad members who truly represent what Student Quarters is all about, and this program gives them the opportunity to make a real impact on new hires joining us.
Living Out “We Before Me”
The SQ Coach Program is one of the best examples of our “We Before Me” culture in action.
At Student Quarters, success has never been just about individual performance. It’s about showing up for each other, supporting one another, and creating an environment where people feel encouraged to grow.
Our Coaches willingly invest their time and energy into helping someone else succeed simply because that’s what the SQuad does. And that mindset is what continues to make our communities, and culture stronger.
Meet the 2026–2027 SQ Coaches
• Clay Collins — MS Coach
• April Willis — GM Coach
• Chelsea Blanton — GM Coach
• Jesse Shults — AGM Coach
• Tyler Collins — AGM Coach
• Cayla Body — LM Coach
• Cayley Pettit — LM Coach
• Liz Miller — LM Coach
The future of Student Quarters is built through the people who show up for each other every day and the SQ Coach Program is one more example of what makes the SQuad special!
