Student Advisement at the COMPASS coordinates many programs and activities designed to help students achieve academic and personal success at college. The center provides structured support to students in transition; those new to Oswego, those finding or changing majors, and those in academic crisis.

New Student Orientation
New students are introduced to the college through an orientation program designed to provide information and acquaint them with campus resources that encourage academic and personal success. Students receive an invitation to New Student Orientation following receipt of the $100 admissions deposit. Separate programs are held for first-year and transfer students over the summer or immediately prior to the start of the Fall or Spring semester. At orientation, students:

• are introduced to academic life at Oswego
• meet an advisor
• register for classes
• have the chance to take care of other details such as: 
  • pre-arranging the purchase of textbooks
  • signing up for fitness center membership
  • establishing a local bank account.                

Students participating in New Student Orientation are charged a fee, which is used to support orientation programs. Parents and guests are invited to attend their own separate, yet concurrent, orientation program.

First Year Programs
Several programs exist to help freshmen in their transition from high school (or work) to college.

• First Year Advisement provides early and continuous advisement for new students through a structured program in the first year.
• FirstChoice is a comprehensive First Year Experience, based on student interest, that encourages active participation both inside and outside of class. 
  • Living and Learning Communities is a new initiative that will provide many new experiences, both social and academic. You will have the opportunity to meet faculty and students who share your interests. You will form study groups and work on class projects with students who live in your centrally located residence hall. 
• The Johnson Hall First-Year Experience is a structured residential program that provides additional support and resources in support of academic and social success. The Student Advisement Center staff works collaboratively with the rest of the college in support of all these First-Year Programs.

Undeclared Advisement
First and second year students at Oswego have the option to be undecided or ‘undeclared’ while working on general education requirements and exploring various major areas. The Student Advisement staff coordinates undeclared advisement and provides special training and assistance to campus-wide advisors who work with undeclared students. Undeclared students are encouraged to participate actively in the process and use campus-wide resources while in this decision-making process.

Walk-in Service
The staff of the Student Advisement at the COMPASS is available to assist students who have questions about:

• withdrawing
• medical leave of absence
• military leave of absence
• absence from campus
• campus policies

In addition, students who are thinking about possible major changes or transferring can seek assistance from the advisors in the Student Advisement at the COMPASS.

Out of Class Notification
When students are away from campus unexpectedly (for extenuating circumstances beyond their control) for more than 3 consecutive class days and are unable to contact professors on their own, Student Advisement at the COMPASS will provide information to faculty upon the student’s request.