Our Mission
Why Compass Scholars
Every student's path is different Compass Scholars helps participants build relationships, find new opportunities, and lay the groundwork for success both during their time at UCR and beyond.
Compass Scholars is designed to help students settle into UCR with confidence by offering community, mentorship, academic support, and access to key campus resources. Program is built around 4–5 milestone events across the quarter, each one addressing a transition students commonly face during their first term.
4-5 Workshops / Quarter
1hr minutes / session
20 Registration capacity
$50 Recieve a gift card upon completion
Program Outcomes
- Identify three campus resources that support your academic, personal, and financial well-being.
- Create an academic success plan for your first year at UC Riverside.
- Demonstrate knowledge of financial aid and immigration resources for undocumented students.
- Identify at least one research, internship, leadership, or involvement opportunity in your area of interest.
Community Building
Peer networking, student panels, and a group that moves through the quarter together.
Academic Success
Time management, study skills, academic resources, and a personal academic success action plan.
Resource Navigation
Financial aid, CA Dream Act, Know Your Rights, and immigration legal resources.
Wellness & Basic Needs
Managing stress and burnout, mental health resources, food and housing support.
Completion Incentives
✓ Certificate of Completion
✓ $50 gift card
✓ Priority consideration for future professional development opportunities through USP
*To qualify: attend at least 4 of 5 events, and submit the Opportunity Exploration Worksheet and Academic Success Action Plan.*
Fall Quarter Schedule
Your Journey This Quarter
Five waypoints, each built around a transition first-year and transfer students commonly face.
Week 0–1 · In-Person
Welcome Dinner & Community Kickoff
Partner: USP & Student Assistants
- Program overview and expectations
- Peer networking
- Student panels on the transition experience
Welcome package: shirt, sticker, program schedule
0–1
3
Week 3 · Zoom, 90 min
Academic Check-In & Success Planning
Partner: Academic Resource Center, Advisors & Transfer Coordinator
- Time management and study skills
- Tutoring and academic support resources
- First-year and transfer breakout sessions
A Completed Academic Success Action Plan required for gift card incentive
Week 5 · Around Midterms
Wellness, Basic Needs & Knowing Your Resources
Partner: Basic Needs & CAPS
- Managing stress and burnout
- Mental health resources
- Food security, housing, and emergency support
Wellness kit: self-care items
5
7
Week 7
Undergraduate Research & Involvement
Partner: Center for Undergraduate Research and Engaged Learning
- Intro to undergraduate research opportunities
- Research pathways for undocumented students
- Leadership and campus involvement
Opportunity Exploration Worksheet required for gift card incentive
Week 9
Financial Aid & Know Your Rights
Partner: UC Immigrant Legal Services & Financial Aid Office
- CA Dream Act renewal and financial aid timelines
- Scholarships and emergency funding
- Know Your Rights and immigration legal resources
Set a goal and an opportunity to pursue next quarter
9
Ready to find your direction?
Registration capacity is limited to 20 students First Year and First Year Transfer Students for Fall Quarter. If you have questions please email usp@ucr.edu.
Campus Partners
Built Alongside UCR's Support Network
Undocumented Student Programs (USP) · Academic Resource Center (ARC) · Academic Advisors · CAPS · Basic Needs Department · Financial Aid Office · UC Immigrant Legal Services · Center for Undergraduate Research & Engaged Learning (CUREL)
You Belong at UCR
All programs, services, and events offered through Student Affairs are open to everyone, consistent with federal and state law and the University of California’s nondiscrimination policies. Whether you’re seeking support, joining a community, or participating in campus life, every effort is made to ensure your experience is inclusive, respectful, and accessible, regardless of background or identity.
To learn more, visit the UC Nondiscrimination Statement or the Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for University of California Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters.