Compass, a new app, was launched this fall to provide a new way for students to earn spiritual formation points and find their way around campus.
“It started with a different incentive, which is Compass,” said Derran Reese, director of the Center for Careers and Experiential Learning. “Compass is intended to provide a roadmap for the whole student experience, integrating academics, courses, spiritual formation as well as career development and personal development.”
Reese was searching for apps to provide a smoother experience for students. The company, Suitable, that owns Compass stood out to hopefully meet the needs of students and the University.
“Because Spiritual Formation events are such an integral part of students, it was important that the Office of Spiritual Formation could use it as well,” said Reese. “I was looking at an app that could fufill the needs of spiritual formation and an app that students can track their progress.”
The Office of Spiritual Formation was also open to looking for a new technology to serve their needs. Makayla Jones, spiritual formation coordinator and leadership camps registrar, said that ACUConnect was not everything they were promised.
“This new app lets you get 10 points instead of one, which is why students see 400 points in MyACU. When COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be crazy, points will be at 550,” said Jones.
Students can earn badges in the app after attending chapel or completing a class. These badges can go towards earning rank in the app. For example, first year students can earn a first year experience badge while learning about what is around campus by attending events. There are also badges for things like missions and study abroad.
“There is across-campus integration in the app,” said Jones. “COBA, Reslife and Study Abroad will use this app for students to earn credit.”
Reese and faculty are working with departments to build achievements for their majors. COBA is launching achievements for students this fall to complete badges for their degrees. These achievements can be used to complete a badge and earn a rank in the app.
Reese said his hope for Compass is it will help students be aware of all activities on campus.
“I also hope that students will see that their academic work is integrated in their personal lives as well. It allows students to see how all these things are working together to prepare them to go out into the world,” Reese said.
While Compass is continuing to grow amongst students, it will not be a perfect app for everyone. Students are encouraged to contact the Center for Careers and Experiential Learning if they have any issues with the app itself.
“Hopefully the app will cause less confusion,” said Jones. “The last app was not perfect. With this app, we have a good reliable system that we can depend on.”
