Compensatory Programmes and Academic Support Services
Purpose of the Centre
The COMPASS Centre has been designed as an alternative pathway to tertiary level education for those students who have the aptitude and the desire to pursue tertiary education but are currently academically under-prepared.
What We Do
At the COMPASS Centre we help students to acquire the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to function effectively at tertiary level. We offer courses in mathematics, reading, writing, science, computer literacy and life skills which are pitched at a level and pace to facilitate student learning. These courses are taught by qualified, experienced and trained lecturers and are offered in the day and evening at all COSTAATT sites. Tutorial support is provided through mathematics, reading and writing labs which are staffed by skilled educational support technicians. In addition, to facilitate students’ psychosocial resilience, further support is provided in the form of guidance counseling and academic and developmental advisement.
How Students Transition into College Programmes
The COMPASS programme is designed to help students gain the necessary qualifications to access the degree programme of their choice in COSTAATT. The duration of study in COMPASS depends on students’ entry-level competencies, their performance on the placement test in English and mathematics, the admission requirements of the programme they wish to pursue at COSTAATT and their own application to study. Before students can matriculate into their chosen programmes, they must consult with their dedicated advisor who will ensure that all courses required for the pursuit of the chosen programme of study have been completed and that the student has earned a minimum cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 in pre-college courses. Once all these elements are satisfied, students gain entry to their chosen programmes.