Compass Program
Admitted Students

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 2.

Contact Compass Program Coordinator Michelle Bonanno at bonanno_m@fortlewis.edu for more information.

During the school year, students will participate in programming that supports their individual learning needs, builds community, and sets them up for continued success. These activities include:

• Weekly study sessions with Peer Educators and Faculty
• Regular meetings with a faculty Academic Success Coach
• Ongoing study sessions and community-building events in their dorms
• Monthly skill-building workshops
• Community events and on-campus clubs

The Compass Program aims for the following outcomes for students after their first year at FLC

1. Feel Connected: We want you to have a solid connection to yourself, your surroundings, and the incredible community here at FLC.
2. Money Skills: Learn to handle your cash like a pro—budgeting for your needs and nailing it.
3. Healthy Relationships: Dive into the world of healthy relationships—managing conflicts, talking things out, setting boundaries, and balancing work and fun.
4. Ace Academics: Keep that academic success strong in all your courses and activities.
5. Goals Galore: Set up 3-5 goals to help pave your way to success at FLC.

Please join us for the Compass Family Welcome on Sunday, July 28, and learn about what life for your student will be like at FLC. Registration is required.

• 10 a.m. Breakfast
• 10:20 a.m. Opening
• 10:30 a.m. Overview of Housing & Meal Plans
• 10:50 a.m. Overview of Billing, Financial Aid, FERPA
• 11:10 a.m. Advising & Academics
• 11:30 a.m. Break
• 11:40 a.m. Overview of Diversity Affairs Noon: Campus Safety and Student Well-Being
• 12:20 p.m. Parents as Partners
• 12:40 p.m. Q&A with our Dean of Student Engagement

Register for Compass Family Welcome 

Weekly schedule

Monday – Friday: Breakfast, Class, Lunch, Dinner, Academic Support/Fun Activities
Saturday: Participate in engaging activities in and around Durango
Sunday: Rest, catch up on homework, mandatory program meeting

Daily schedule

8:00 a.m. – 10 a.m. — Breakfast in the San Juan Dining Hall
10:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.  — Class
12:15 p.m.– 1 p.m. — Lunch in the San Juan Dining Hall
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. — Dinner in the San Juan Dining Hall
7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Tutoring (Sunday-Thursday), evening activities or time on your own

What happens during Check-in?

Check-in is at 10 a.m. on July 27 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.

What should I bring to campus with me? Specifically, what should I bring for the program?

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:

• Comfortable clothes for all types of weather
• Comfortable shoes to walk/hike in
• Swimsuit

Can I go home during the program? 

We strongly discourage participants from going home during the program because our courses are fast-paced and our schedule is packed with academic and community building programming—even on the weekends.

What food will be provided during the program and what will it cost?

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided during the entire program for FREE! Food will also be free for off-campus Compass activities.

Where will I be living?

All students participating in the Summer Bridge Program will live in Camp Hall.

How often will my room get cleaned?

Communal bathrooms will be cleaned regularly.

How do I do laundry on campus?

We have laundry facilities in your residence hall.

What materials will I need for my classes?

Course readings and textbooks and will be provided for Summer Bridge. Students are required to obtain course materials themselves during the regular school year.

Bring your laptop. If you don’t have access to a laptop, FLC has a TechPack that you can rent. 

Who do I contact for academic accommodations?

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.

Can I bring a service animal or emotional support animal?

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.

Do I need to complete my New Student Checklist before the start of the program?

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. Find your checklist items in your admission portal.

Do I attend Orientation?

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.

Find more Orientation details

Do I need to participate in all the year-long Compass programming?

Yes, students are required to complete all the required Compass programming to be considered for full admission to Fort Lewis College the following year.

What happens if I don’t finish the Compass Program?

Each student’s situation is handled case by case, and if a student fails to meet the requirements of the Compass Program, their enrollment may be revoked based on a review with a committee and the student.