COMPASS Program

COMMITMENT TO THE OBJECTIVE OF MENTORING PERSEVERANCE, ACHIEVEMENT, SUSTAINABILITY AND SUCCESS

 

Mission Statement

The COMPASS program supports multicultural students on academic probation through collaborative efforts at West Chester University. Our institutional efforts to support the academic success of students has resulted in a multi-layered approach. The COMPASS programs provides a direct and individualized approach with graduate level academic mentors. The weekly meetings allow for the students to have a safe space in which to trust and share successes, barriers and challenges as a student at West Chester University. This program empowers students to advocate for themselves across the campus. 

Participation in COMPASS is open to any interested WCU students regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. Priority is given to students on or near academic probation. 

Students focusing in class
Student walking out of building

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today." – Malcolm X

"Some know the value of education by having it. I knew its value by not having it." — Frederick Douglass

Program Objectives

  1. Increase the 2nd to 3rd year retention rate among  students at WCU
  2. Reduce the equity gap of students by 20%. Our approach to the COMPASS program is multifaceted and has various components such as…

a) an academic graduate mentor
b) mandatory study hall
c) mandatory tutoring.

 

Testimonials

  • "The program has been very helpful. At times I don’t have that academic support because everyone at home assumes I’m doing fine or else I would say something. This program has really opened my eyes as to how to increase my gpa and to do better in school."

  • "This is a program that not only helps you become a better student, but also a better person. The ongoing support and incredible atmosphere of people surrounding you with inspiration, building determination, and creating confidence, helping you succeed and grow as a person."

  • "The mentoring program has truly helped me with my schoolwork, motivation, and keeping on top of my assignments throughout the past few months. While being virtual it is harder to complete assignments and be motivated, but being in this program has really helped me in many positive ways through these tough times."

  • "My mentor has not only helped me stay on top of my work, but has become a friend that I look forward to talking to every week."

"A man is worked upon by what he works on. He may carve out his circumstances, but his circumstances will carve him out as well." — Frederick Douglass

Student Studying
Aerial shot of typing on computer
Student gazing next to a stack of books

Student Mentors

The students and mentors create a partnership built on trust and mutual respect. The students often seek advice and ask questions on many topics such as mental health, financial aid, housing and textbooks, among many others. This has allowed the program to create additional connections with many offices across the campus that provide services for students. It creates a unique opportunity to partner with the Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs Program to allow graduate students to apply knowledge and skills to support students toward academic success.

Contact

Sturzebecker Health Science Center
855 South New Street West Chester, PA
19383 610-436-3555

For more information, email: TJames@wcupa.edu

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