COMPASS is part of the Healthy Expectations project developed by George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Public Health. Developed in 2005, COMPASS represents one part of an overall programmatic initiative designed to help new students make a healthy transition to college. While the content can be valuable for students and others of all ages, it is designed with particular attention to the unique transition considerations faced by a student new to the college environment.

Designed at George Mason University, the initial intent was to prepare a resource that helps students maximize their success in college.   COMPASS was conceptualized and written in a way that could easily be useful for college students at any college or university in the nation.   While some issues are unique to a specific campus or setting, most issues found with the transition to the college experience are fairly common across the nation.   The local campus-based applications of COMPASS are found with the local resources segment as well as personalized discussions among staff and students.    Similarly, the reflection and planning worksheets are helpful as a guide for individual students taking charge of their own lives, with these serve as general guides and helpful frameworks.     Thus, what was initially written for Mason students is quite applicable and appropriate for other students throughout the nation.

Initial funding for this project was provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.   Ultimately, the project focuses on the reduction of high risk drinking among college students through attention to the root causes of alcohol abuse.   The innovative strategies seek to promote life health planning within the context of social norms marketing.   A more extensive explanation of this approach is elaborated upon further in the background information section found on the project’s web site.

In 2006, the Healthy Expectations project (of which COMPASS is a part) was named as a recipient of “Model Program” funding by the U. S. Department of Education.   This new funding promotes dissemination of this initiative with college and university students throughout the nation.    The contents of this resource were developed under a grant from the U. S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U. S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government

While COMPASS provides an overall framework for students and their development, this resource is made possible only by the dedication, creativity, and hard work of an entire team of individuals working on the project.

Specific thanks are provided to the following:

• Individual authors for each of the topical segments are faculty and staff members at George Mason University. They are cited with their institutional title and office/department affiliation. These individuals provided insight, expertise, and guidance based on their research, experience, and heart-felt dedication to students.
  
• Administrative leadership from George Mason University, including the University President and Vice Presidents, for support, leadership, insights, staff guidance, and commitment for healthy lives and positive life choices among students.

Notes from the Project Manager
This innovative resource for new students was conceptualized with a broad vision. Its evolution and final development was possible only through the collaboration, hard work, creativity, and dedication to providing a tool – the COMPASS – that can truly make a difference with new students.

Some comments about several parts of this resource are relevant. The 360 quotes represent a wide range of perspectives and illustrate the seven life health principles central to the Healthy Expectations project. These are provided from documented sources, and use the language provided by the respective authors, in their words that were deemed appropriate for the time period. While we would use different language today, particularly in terms of gender appropriateness, we honor the actual words used by these people. The sections authored by numerous Mason faculty and staff provide the authors’ perspectives and recommendations; our editorial staff has made every effort to maintain the intent and integrity of the content submitted by these authors.

This 2006 resource represents the second edition of COMPASS, with major enhancements planned for 2007 and future editions.   The reactions of students, faculty and staff from colleges and universities, and college-serving organizations, from throughout the nation will be instrumental for guiding future editions.   The involvement of staff, faculty, family members, community leaders, and others dedicated to the positive development of students are essential for helping these future editions achieve their desired outcomes.   

Produced by

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

Center for the Advancement of Public Health
School of Recreation, Health and Tourism
College of Education and Human Development

2006 Project Staff

David S. Anderson, Ph.D. 
Professor and Director

Candace S. Parham, M. S.
Research and Evaluation Manager

Justin M. Lux
Program Resource Manager

Craig Wilkinson
Project Coordinator

2005 Project Staff

Producer and Project Manager
David S. Anderson, Ph.D.

Creative Designer and Programming Director
Jacques Newgen

Production Coordinator
Patricia Copeland

Senior Editor
Christopher de la Torre

Resource Managers
Barbara Arnold and Craig Wilkinson

Production Associate
Justin M. Lux

Editorial Board
David Anderson, Barbara Arnold, Patricia Copeland,
Apryl Lomax, Justin Lux, Candace Parham, Craig Wilkinson

Center for the Advancement of Public Health

4400 University Drive, MS 1F5
North PE Module G, Room 23
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444

703.993.3697

www.healthyexpectations.gmu.edu

www.caph.gmu.edu

A Roadmap To Healthy Living