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How We Help You Find Your Direction

Each new class of students is different and has different needs. Within this group, we know every student is unique, so we adjust parts of the program as needed to make sure it fits your needs and answers your questions.

Below is an example sequence of the activities you can expect in the Compass Program.

Narrowing Your Focus

1. Research majors and their requirements
   • You can do this on our website at elms.edu/majors
   • Don't hesitate to ask friends and professors for more information
2. Print a list and cross out all majors in which you have no interest
3. Circle any remaining majors in which you have some interest-this is your starting point
4. Complete FOCUS2 online assessment-it's a testing tool to help you find potential directions
5. Attend Compass Exploration meeting with our career services director and First Year Seminar Instructors
   • You will discuss the results of your FOCUS2 assessment
   • It's another time and place to ask lots of questions about what you've learned so far
6. Meet with faculty to learn more about majors of interest
   • If some majors are rising to the top of your list, you can get a better perspective from the professors who teach those subjects
7. Join a co-curricular club or activity related to the major
   • If you want to look at things from another angle and without the worry about tests and grades, clubs and student organizations are a great way in
8. Take exploratory course in major of interest
   • Most non-upper level courses are open to all students, so you can try out art, history, or business without committing to a major just yet
9. Declare a major
   • If at the end of the process it's still hard to decide, you can always choose two!
   • Minors and concentration options are also available for many majors