Year One: Foundation
The Salve Compass program begins with the First Year Studio, where students are placed in groups according to areas of study and paired with a Compass advisor and peer mentor.
In this weekly, one-credit course, you’ll explore your personal values, academic goals, life experiences and Salve's mercy tradition, and participate in assignments, service and discussions that help you prototype possibilities for your future at Salve and beyond.
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and not make the space to think about things like your values. In your first year, the Salve Compass program builds in that time to ponder, consider and question. Doing that with peer mentors makes all the difference. They’ve been where you are - you learn together.
Maya Parady '25
Life Design: My Three Salves
As part of the First Year Studio, students will map out their desired college experience at Salve and beyond, exploring alternatives that could take you down different and equally fulfilling paths. This exercise helps students realize they have many options, and a change along their journey can be welcomed, not a sign of failure. This is one step in developing the ability to adapt and change as situations may evolve.
Compass North
Also in your first year, you will participate in a full-day retreat at a beautiful off-campus spot in Newport. Students build community and belonging, articulate their core values and "true north" and create their personal vision of leadership in the mercy tradition. "Compass North helped me understand my core values on a deeper level, which helped me figure out how to apply my values to my life goals." - Katherine B. '28
Center for Advising, Career and Life Design
Guidance is easy to find here; the Center is located in McKillop Library, a hub for student support and exploration, which are key components of the Salve Compass program.
Our team includes Compass advisors, First Year Studio instructors, career coaches and exploratory and transfer advisors.