Compass
Compass is a cohort-based, year-long peer mentorship program that connects first year students with trained 2nd, 3rd, 4th year student mentors. Through one-on-one meetings with a peer mentor and weekly workshops you will learn how to successfully navigate Northwestern while learning more about SES resources and community.
Compass' success is also backed by research being conducted right here at Northwestern. Check out this NU Now story featuring Compass and human development and social policy professor Mesmin Destin.
Interested in hearing previous mentors and mentees experience with Compass? Check out the video below.
Commitments
- Quarterly Compass Fridays| Weekly, Every Friday, 2:30-4:30 pm, Lunch Provided
- Fall 2025
- First Compass Friday: October 10
- Last Compass Friday: November 14
- Winter 2026
- First Compass Friday: January 9
- Last Compass Friday: February 27
- Fall 2025
- Spring 2026
- First Compass Friday: April 3
- Last Compass Friday: May 15
- Quarterly One on Ones with Compass Mentor| Bi-Weekly, based on your schedule
Join Compass
Application: Currently Closed
- Open: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
- Close: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Eligibility
Compass is open to first year students in the Class of 2029. Please cross check your academic/work schedule to ensure you can prioritize Compass Fridays (dates listed above).
Compass Application
The Compass Application collects basic information and has an essay portion. Below are the essays:
- Why are you interested in joining the Compass community?
- What do you hope to get out of the Compass experience?
Selection Timeline
- Thursday, October 2, 2025 | Applicants notified about their application status via email
- Monday, October 6, 2025 | Applicants selected must accept or decline their spot in Compass