North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) has been awarded a four-year, $2.9 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor to support a comprehensive student success initiative known as COMPASS (Career and Opportunity Mentorship for Personal, Academic, and Student Success).
The federal grant will enable NCWU to expand student support services, strengthen retention and graduation outcomes, enhance career readiness programs, modernize technology infrastructure, and create innovative approaches to student success through the establishment of the new student support services hub featuring the COMPASS Center.
“This award represents a tremendous investment in our students and our future,” said Dr. Anne Aichele, Director of the COMPASS Center. “The COMPASS Center will create a more connected and comprehensive support system that helps students navigate their personal and academic journey, identify meaningful career pathways, and develop the skills necessary to thrive after graduation.”
The COMPASS Center will serve as a centralized hub where students can access academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, accessibility services, career development resources, academic coaching, and retention support in one location. The project is designed to strengthen institutional capacity while improving outcomes for first-generation, low-income, and academically at-risk students.
Major project initiatives include:
- Renovating library space to create the COMPASS Center.
- Expanding first-year transition and orientation programming.
- Increasing peer mentoring and student engagement opportunities.
- Enhancing career coaching, experiential learning, and employer partnerships.
- Implementing advanced student success technologies and analytics tools.
- Providing faculty and staff professional development in student success and Life Design practices.
- Advancing artificial intelligence literacy and AI-enhanced student support services.
The project also aligns with national priorities related to innovation and emerging technologies in higher education. Through faculty, staff, and student development programs, NCWU will promote responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence while preparing graduates for a rapidly evolving workforce.
The initiative builds upon NCWU’s longstanding commitment to personalized education and student-centered learning. By integrating support services, strengthening academic and career planning, and leveraging technology to improve student outcomes, the University aims to create a sustainable framework for student success that will continue well beyond the grant period.
Funding for the project begins October 1, 2026, and continues through September 2031. The first year of funding totals approximately $1.66 million and will support renovation, technology modernization, staffing, professional development, and implementation of student success initiatives.
