A smaller learning community within a larger university. This will be a group of students like you who you will know your entire academic career. The learning community provides you with the opportunity

  • to form study groups with those in similar fields
  • to live together in block housing (optional)
  • to participate in social as well as academic activities
  • to connect with STEM faculty and STEM professionals early in your academic career

Learn about career opportunities and make an earlier decision on your future career and major.  The COMPASS program will guide you to determine, clarify, or confirm you major and career options. COMPASS is tailored to fit your needs by offering two pathways to success in STEM.

Pathway 1: Through the Career Planning: STEM Explorations course (MHS 2330) you will have the unique opportunity for hands-on exposure to science and engineering careers in your freshman year while gaining clarity on your own strengths and interests through facilitated self-discovery. The course takes students through the career decision making process exploring

Pathway 2: Through the STEM Seminar courses (ISC 2054 & ISC 2055) you concentrate less on determining your major and more on confirming your career choice and being successful in your chosen STEM major. Seminar focuses on your transition to the university environment, your academic success, and your immersion into the world of STEM. Students receive tools for establishing a strong academic foundation as well as an introduction to the concept of undergraduate research experiences culminating with in-depth exposure to STEM faculty, researchers, and labs.

Participation in a mentoring network. As a COMPASS student you will benefit from a STEM mentor assigned day one of the program and STEM faculty and professionals who will guide you through your hands-on STEM experiences.

Support in key math and science courses. Graduate students are available for tutoring in the common math and science courses completed during your first two years in college and will provide personalized study plans in your math courses. Students can take the calculus sequence math courses as a cohort.

Undergraduate research experience (URE) opportunity. You will have the opportunity to work beside graduate students and faculty in a URE during the second year of the program.