The COMPASS Experience

What is COMPASS?

Collaborative Opportunities to Mature Personally, Academically, Spiritually and Socially

“Providing first-year students with lifelong direction”

The Seton Hall University COMPASS first year experience fosters a living and learning environment in Aquinas and Boland Halls, with structured and focused opportunities for students to connect what they learn in class to what happens outside the classroom. Staff members work closely with Freshman Studies to provide a wide variety of programmatic opportunities to begin to explore the University’s mission – what it means to be a servant leader in a global society.

Aquinas and Boland Halls are home to over 800 first year students. This is the first “on-your-own” living experience for most college students. New college students everywhere experience a period of transition: adjusting to roommates, experiencing independence from family; and exploring personal beliefs and values. The COMPASS experience is one that nurtures and aids students in these transitions and provides focus for learning among the diverse students at Seton Hall.

Research shows that students who make connections to their institutions to their institution and to other students will succeed academically, and would be more satisfied with the overall college experience. COMPASS exists to promote this connection and facilitate student involvement right from the start.

Goals and Objectives

To assist students in understanding their rights and responsibilities as conscientious citizens.
To engage students in the value of the intellectual life.
To provide an environment where students can explore and develop their spiritual selves.
To familiarize students with University resources and opportunities.
To expose students to diversity and create opportunities for celebration.
To foster involvement through leadership opportunities, campus activities, and volunteer efforts.
To integrate use of technology appropriately.

Taking a nice walk around campus. PERSONAL:

Aquinas and Boland Hall Staff Support

The staff consists of six full time professionals who live in the residence halls: an Assistant Director for First Year Experience, Aquinas and Boland Residence Hall Directors, Aquinas and Boland Residence. Resident Assistants live on every floor and there are six Academic Teaming Assistants. Staff is available during business hours and on call in the evenings.

Leadership Opportunities

There are several ways students can get involved. They can join Hall Council, Resident Student Association and/or apply for other positions in Residence Life such as; Resident Assistants, Academic Teaming Assistants, Desk Assistants, or Office Assistants.

ACADEMIC:

Academic Achievement

The purpose of the COMPASS program is to ensure that students are successful in their academic endeavors. Academic Teaming Assistants are available for tutoring, and assistance in forming study groups. They also coordinate educational programs and bring faculty members to the residence halls to interact with students outside of the classroom. The staff works closely with Freshman Studies to ensure a solid link between the academic and residential lives of students.

GPA Requirements

All students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 1.8 to live in the residence halls. Students who do not meet this requirement must create a plan to improve their academic performance in order to remain residence hall students. The COMPASS staff seek to assist at-risk students throughout the year.

SPIRITUAL:

Service

In collaboration with the University’s Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE), the COMPASS staff supports varied service projects throughout the year including; SHU 500, The Annual Halloween Party for disadvantaged youth and food and clothing drives.

SOCIAL:

Community Building Events

The COMPASS program strives to provide an environment for students to explore their beliefs and values, to make friends, and to learn form others they live with. Each floor in Aquinas and Boland are led by a resident assistant who provides programs designed to help students make connections and participate in the hall and floor community. Each building also holds periodic large-scale events called all-hall programs, such as:

COMPASS Homecoming
Casino Nights
Freshman Talent Show
The Roommate Game
Boland Block Party