Albany State University Program Supports Potential At-Risk Students

The Albany State University (ASU) Changing Obstacles by Motivation Positive Accountability for Student Success (COMPASS) program assists potentially at-risk students in navigating their college experience by providing additional support.

“Albany State University is committed to providing the additional support potential at-risk students need. The holistic support we are able to provide through the COMPASS program leads to increasing the retention and graduation rate of potential at-risk students, while setting them up for success,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Kenyatta Johnson.

The additional support provided includes specialized academic advising, tutoring, housing assistance, emotional support and scholarship assistance.

The program recently had four students graduate in the class of spring 2021, and two will be continuing their education in the bachelor’s program at ASU. One of those students is Francine Dowdy, who graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health and Human Performance, and is contemplating graduate school. 

“With COMPASS, I felt like I always had someone to hold me accountable and I always had a shoulder to cry on,” said Dowdy.

Potentially at-risk students have extenuating circumstances which may include experiencing homelessness, foster care, being a ward of the state, or other life altering experiences. 

“The COMPASS program provides support in areas that some people take for granted, such as having a place to go once the semester is over, or having a support system to ask for additional support – whether that be financial or emotional,” said COMPASS Retention Specialist Mildred Polite.

The goal of COMPASS is to provide a seamless transition from high school to college or when transferring from another college, giving every student an opportunity to graduate.

“COMPASS helps students change their lives, one semester at a time,” Polite added.

For additional information about the COMPASS program, click here.