Centre Compass Program

For Centre students, a world of opportunity awaits — and the Centre Compass Program is here to guide your first steps.

Details for the summer 2024 program will be announced this spring.

Designed for incoming first-year Centre College students, this on-campus leadership training experience will help you maximize your potential as a student leader at Centre. The one-week, intensive orientation will feature interactive workshops and activities focused on cultivating traits such as critical thinking, initiative, creative problem-solving and communication — all the tools necessary to become a successful leader, both on campus and in your professional career beyond.

Students will learn from speakers, workshops, films, and interactive activities throughout their on-campus stay. Because we believe all Centre students have the potential to grow in leadership ability, admission will be granted to the first 50 students who sign up for the program and make a $100 deposit. All other students will be put on a waitlist for admission to the program.

Group of students doing a team building activity with pool noodles

Program Details

What is Leadership?

Each day of the program will be focused on one leadership skill set. Typical days will include multiple interactive sessions and activities. Sessions may include topics and activities such as, individual and group leadership, communication skills, academic success, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creative problem solving and innovation.

Why Should You Participate In The Centre Compass Program?

To learn critical skills for success both in and out of the classroom.
To get a head start on familiarizing yourself with campus and the Danville community.
To obtain additional, ongoing mentorship opportunities during your first year in college.
To list the program as a credential on your resume for future jobs and graduate schools.
To connect with other ongoing leadership programs.
To gain a group of new friends who will challenge and support you during your four years on campus.
To make a positive impact on our community and the world.
To connect with student mentors (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior).
To become intentional about your time on campus and make the most of your Centre education.

Cost and Important Details

The cost for food, housing, trips, instruction materials and a shirt is $1,000 for the week. Financial need-based scholarships are available for qualified applicants.

Students who receive financial aid at Centre may qualify for whole or partial aid. When registering, please indicate if you would like to be considered for a scholarship or partial financial aid.

Students will be notified of admission on a rolling basis. To check on admission status, please email program director Jessica Chisley at jessica.chisley@centre.edu.

After admission, a non-refundable $100 deposit is due to the program director by July 5 and will confirm your spot in the program. The remaining balance is due upon arrival to campus on July 16th.

Spending money (optional)
Bed linens and towels
Summer clothes (including long pants for potential service project)
One light jacket (optional)
Toiletries
Prescription medication
Copy of medical insurance card
One nice outfit for the final banquet

Rides from the Lexington airport will be provided. Please request a ride as soon as flight arrangements are made by contacting program director, Jessica Chisley.

Students should check in at the Campus Center from 2 to 4 p.m. upon arriving to campus on Sunday, July 16th. Students may leave campus the morning of July 22nd

All students will live together on campus with a returning student mentor, serving as a Resident Assistant. Most participants will have a roommate for the week.

Laundry, fitness, and cooking facilities will be available.

What Participants Had To Say About The Program

“Compass is a program that gives you almost like a backstage pass to what it feels like to be a Centre Student before the rest of your class. I would very much recommend it to incoming students for it made me fall I love with Centre all the more, giving me the confidence of knowing the campus, the experience of engaging in the Danville community, and the wonderful opportunity of connecting with the faculty and making great, lasting friendships.”

— Hesed Payocong

“This program was nothing short of amazing. I made lasting friendships, learned more about Centre than I possibly could have during an overnight visit, and learned more about myself as a leader, and what kind of strengths I can bring to a group setting.”

— Evan Miller

For More Information

Jessica Chisley

Senior Mentor Liaison and Student Success Specialist