The Compass Program helps you soar
First-year students who are conditionally admitted to Fort Lewis College are required to participate in our Compass Program. First-year students identified for the Compass program generally fall below the average GPA for admitted students (3.0-3.8).
While Compass students take part in our Summer Bridge program that starts four weeks before the fall term, your Compass experience will last your entire first year. You'll be able to explore campus, make friends early, and have mentors to guide you every step of the way.
Earn 3-4 college credits. Build connections with classmates, professors, and mentors.
Live in traditional residence halls with your classmates and find your footing.
An Academic Success Coach helps you take advantage of first-year opportunities, including a one-credit student success course.
Gain professional experience with a volunteer position or part-time on-campus employment.
Includes free room and board for the Summer Bridge Program. You're eligible for scholarships at the end of the year.
By replying to your offer of admission and confirming your enrollment in your admission portal you are automatically registered for our Compass Program. Starting in March, students in our Compass Program will receive details about the program.
Confirm your enrollment and pay the $300 enrollment fee by July 1.
Contact Compass Program Coordinator Elanor Meeker at emeeker@fortlewis.edu for more information.
You will either take a math or English course that will contribute to your Liberal Arts Core. Advisors in Skyhawk Station will use information in your FLC application and your Advising Questionnaire to enroll you in the Summer Bridge course that best fits your FLC academic plan.
Monday – Friday: Breakfast, Class, Lunch, Job/Volunteer, Dinner, Academic Support/Fun ActivitiesSaturday: Participate in engaging activities in and around DurangoSunday: Rest, catch up on homework, mandatory program meeting
8:00 a.m. – 10 a.m. — Breakfast in the San Juan Dining Hall10:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. — Class12:15 p.m.– 1 p.m. — Lunch in the San Juan Dining Hall1:00 p.m. – 5 p.m. – On-campus job or volunteer/leadership experience; workshops and fun activities5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. — Dinner in the San Juan Dining Hall7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Tutoring (Sunday-Thursday), evening activities or time on your own
Check-in is at 10 a.m. on July 29 at the Skyhawk Station. During Check-in you will be welcomed by FLC staff and students into the Skyhawk Summer Bridge Program. You will get your keys to move in to your residence hall, your Skycard (campus ID), and complete any outstanding requirements. Once you are checked in, you will move into your residence hall. We will have an opening dinner, teambuilding activities, and family orientation that weekend.
You will be moving into your fall housing assignment when you move in for Summer Bridge. Bring all of the belongings you will need for the academic year.
We strongly recommend you bring the following items to Summer Bridge:
We strongly discourage participants from going home during the program except for our family weekend, Aug 11-13.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the entire program for FREE! During off campus activities food will also be provided for free.
We are planning a host of activities during Skyhawk Summer Bridge for you to experience our beautiful mountain town of Durango. Some examples include rafting down the Animas River, paddle boarding & swimming at Lake Nighthorse, going for a walk in the woods, and going to dinner and a movie downtown.
All students participating in the Summer Bridge Program will be living in the same residence hall on campus.
Communal bathrooms will be cleaned on a regular basis.
We have laundry facilities in your residence hall.
You can bring your own car to campus for Summer Bridge. During the summer there aren’t any parking fees. However, you will need to purchase a parking permit for fall and spring semesters.
Transportation will be provided for free for all activities off campus
Bring your laptop. If you don’t have access to a laptop, FLC has a TechPack that you can rent. Additional materials, such as course readings/textbooks, will be provided.
Contact the Accessibility Resource Center for support in creating and maintaining equal access and opportunity on campus. We can support you with academic, housing, and other accommodations to remove some of the obstacles that might otherwise inhibit your experience of campus life.
If a Service Animal will accompany you on campus, we recommend you contact the Accessibility Resource Center to assist in your animal’s transition. If you are living in campus housing, you will need to register your service animal with our office.
If you are interested in applying for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) while attending FLC, you will need documentation from a licensed mental health provider.
Yes, you will need to complete your new student check list before arriving to campus. You will also need to upload a photo for your Skycard before the start of the program. Checklist items can be found in your admission portal.
Yes, Orientation is mandatory for all first-year students. During Orientation you will meet even more friends. Engage in even more programming. And connect with even more resources on campus. You will be automatically registered for Orientation. For more details on the schedule, please go to the orientation website.
Fort Lewis College1000 Rim DriveDurango, CO 81301
Ph: 877-352-2656 or 970-247-7184Fax: 970-247-7179Email: admission@fortlewis.edu
Elanor Meeker, Compass CoordinatorPhone: 970-822-8735Email: emeeker@fortlewis.edu