The COMPASS Center: Helping Students Find Their Path at NC Wesleyan
The COMPASS Center is a way NC Wesleyan supports students throughout their college journey. Instead of sending students to different offices for help, the COMPASS Center brings important services together in one place. The goal is simple: help every student discover their purpose, succeed in class, build strong skills, and prepare for life after college.
The COMPASS (Career and Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success) serves the campus community by providing a full range of programs and services designed to empower and connect Wesleyan students with the resources they need to grow personally, academically, and professionally. The center supports student engagement and development using the Life Design framework, which helps students explore their strengths, interests, and values to intentionally plan their college experience and future. This approach promotes whole-person growth—supporting students not only in their academic success but also in building confidence, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose. These goals align closely with North Carolina Wesleyan University’s mission to prepare students for meaningful and successful lives.
COMPASS Center Goals
- Help students throughout college and graduate
- Improve grades and reduce failing or dropped classes
- Introduce career and leadership development early
- Build students’ confidence, sense of belonging, and purpose
- Support the university’s mission and core values
What the COMPASS Center Offers
Services offered to students include:
- WesWay Orientation
- COL 103: Wesleyan Transition
- First-year mentors
- One-on-one academic advising
- Registration guidance
- Peer tutoring
- Online tutoring
- Supplemental instruction
- Academic enrichment workshops
- Career preparation support
- Student leadership development
- Project Success Program
This collection of programs and services provides a comprehensive balance of challenge and support designed to meet the diverse needs of Wesleyan students. Through new student and family transition programs, career preparation, student leadership development, academic advising, academic support, and early academic intervention, the COMPASS Center helps students build effective learning strategies and develop essential skills. Our goal is to support students in maintaining good academic standing, successfully navigating the demands of college life, and preparing for meaningful careers and fulfilling futures. By addressing both personal and academic growth, the center equips students with the tools and guidance necessary to thrive at North Carolina Wesleyan University and beyond.
The COMPASS Center is in the Hardees Student Union, Suite 110 and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please contact us at 252-985-5323 or via email at ssc@ncwu.edu.
Academic Resources
NCWU offers a wide range of academic support services to help students thrive in and out of the classroom. From tutoring and writing assistance to disability services and study strategies, our resources are designed to empower every Battling Bishop student to reach their full potential. Whether you’re looking for help with coursework or planning your academic journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Makes the COMPASS Center Different
- Personalized support: Every student is known and supported by a caring team.
- Life Design: Students learn how to explore options and plan ahead—not just survive college.
- Purpose-driven leadership: We teach leadership that is grounded in service and making a difference.
- Peer involvement: Student mentors play a big role in supporting other students.
- Real-world connections: Students connect with employers, service projects, and skill‑building opportunities.
- Values-based approach: Our programs reflect Wesleyan’s spiritual and mission-centered traditions.
Programs Students Will Experience
- Peer Navigators: Weekly check-ins and guidance from trained student leaders
- Life Design & Purpose Workshops: Activities that help students explore careers and discover what motivates them
- Tutoring & Academic Labs: On-demand help with coursework and study skills
- Leadership Fellows: Hands-on leadership training and community projects
- Career Readiness Accelerator: A short program with alumni and employers to prepare students for jobs and internships
Encouraging, Student‑centered Approach
North Carolina Wesleyan University proudly serves as a Minority Serving Institution, welcoming students from across central and eastern North Carolina, including those from economically challenged backgrounds. Here, students benefit from a personalized and practical educational experience designed to prepare them for meaningful careers and informed citizenship. With supportive faculty, tailored programs, and a community that believes in their potential, NC Wesleyan equips students to succeed academically, professionally, and personally — and to go forward ready to make a positive difference in the world.
Meet Our COMPASS Center Staff and PEER Navigators
Who Works in the COMPASS Center?
The COMPASS Center team is made up of caring professionals who are committed to supporting every student. They take the time to get to know students personally, build strong relationships, and create a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected and valued. As mentors and guides, they help students navigate their college journey, achieve their academic goals, and prepare for successful futures. Their focus is on helping students grow both in the classroom and in life, empowering them to become confident, productive members of their communities.
- Director: Leads the center, works with campus partners, and guides Life Design programs
- Coordinator of Transitions & Advising: Runs orientation, leads first‑year programs, and advises students
- Coordinator of Retention & Early Intervention: Supports at-risk students and tracks progress
- Coordinator of Leadership & Career Design: Helps students prepare for internships, jobs, and leadership roles
- Coordinator of Learning Support & Accessibility: Oversees tutoring and disability support services
What to be a Peer Navigator at NCWU?
Peer Navigators are mentors and orientation leaders who support new students through their first year at North Carolina Wesleyan University. Grounded in Life Design principles, they help students build confidence, connect to campus resources, and engage fully in campus life. This role combines the responsibilities of Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor.
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