COMPACT SCHOLARS
Our Mission
The Compact Scholars Program is the postsecondary component of the Compact for Success – a partnership between the Sweetwater Union High School District and San Diego State University. The program supports student success by connecting students to the rich resources of the San Diego State campus community. Compact Scholars actively engage in "high impact" educational experiences, most notably study abroad, service-learning, undergraduate research, and leadership development. The goal of the Compact Scholars Program is to deepen student engagement and to promote higher graduation rates for Sweetwater District students.
Program Description
The Compact Scholars Program (CSP), is a retention program within the Office of Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach and Success (EOPOS) in the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity. It is the postsecondary component of the Compact for Success program, an innovative partnership between the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU). Graduates from SUHSD who have satisfactorily met the Compact for Success requirements are admitted to SDSU as Compact Scholars. View past and current requirements.
Compact Scholars engage in high-impact educational practices, including first-year seminars and pathways, mentoring, student organizations/leadership, study abroad, learning communities, service learning, undergraduate research, creative activities, social gatherings, and internships.
With the help of our program, participating Compact Scholars will smoothly transition into the university environment and will continue to gain professional skills and experiences that will help them thrive in their individual professional fields.
Program Services
- General Seminar for first-year students
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Mentor Programming and Guidance - Student Success Workshops
- Tutoring Services (at no cost to the student)
- Academic Advising
- Community at EOPOS - Student Services East 2109
Compact Team
Diana Romero
Counselor, Compact Scholars
Diana Romero is a first-generation, low-income college graduate who grew up in San Diego’s South Bay area. She graduated from SDSU with a B.A. in English and Communication in Spring 2014. She is also a former EOP student who is passionate about working with a diverse group of students in need of additional academic and social support in higher education. In 2018, she earned a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in counseling and guidance from Point Loma Nazarene University. She has over 10 years of experience in the field of education. The majority of her expertise is in coursework evaluation and advising. She loves spending time with her family; if it weren't for their support she wouldn’t be able to pursue the career of her choice.
Compact Mentors Highlighted
Carolina Machado
"Joining the Compact Scholar Community has allowed me to feel more connected to campus and to meet amazing people who come from the same community as me. I started off as a mentee, during my first year here at SDSU, when all courses still needed to be taken online due to the pandemic. By joining the Compact Scholar Program, they gave me the opportunity to feel connected to campus, and I was provided with all the resources necessary to make my first and upcoming years here at SDSU a successful one."
Andrei Apsay
Being a Compact Scholar Mentor is an exciting and enriching experience that fosters growth for both mentees and myself. I’ve found that mentorship is truly a two-way street; while I guide mentees, I also gain valuable insights from their unique perspectives and experiences. This dynamic exchange has deepened my understanding of our community at SDSU and enriched my own college journey. I am passionate about creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and fully engage with the myriad opportunities available at SDSU. Through our interactions, I aim to help them navigate their academic paths, build meaningful connections, and cultivate a strong sense of belonging within the campus community the same way the Compact Scholars Program has done for me.
Frequently asked quEstions (FAQ)
Am I a Compact Scholar? How do I find out if I am?
- First, log in to your ‘EAB navigate’. Find your success team, and if Alejandro Castruita, Alessa Becerra, Victoria Cafasso, Daniel Oliver, and/or Diana Romero are listed, you are a Compact Scholar.
How often are meetings with my mentor?
- You can meet with your assigned mentor once a week or bi-weekly. On average you can meet with their mentor for 30 minutes to an hour.
How can I schedule a meeting with my mentor?
- You can email Alejandro Castruita at [email protected] for more information and/or fill out the form linked under the “Request A Mentor” slot on the top right side of the website.
What can my mentor help me with?
Your mentor can help with a variety of topics including but not limited to the following:
- Help pick classes
- Establishing Study Habits
- Personal experiences
- Connecting and visiting campus resources (i.e. Basic Needs Center, Dreamers office, Library, and more!)
- Attending campus events together
- Networking
- Visiting campus services
- Tutoring
- Talking about your college experience & so much more!
How to schedule an appointment with your Compact Scholars Counselor?
- An appointment can be scheduled with your counselor by logging into your EAB navigate, clicking on “Make appointment | Find Drop-Ins”, and selecting “Meet With Your Success Team” under the “Other Options” on the left-hand side. Click your assigned Compact Scholars advisor and their availability should be listed below!
- You can also contact the EOP, Outreach & Success Front Desk at 619-594-6298 to schedule an appointment.
What are other clubs associated with Compact Scholars?
- The Compact Scholars Student Association (CSSA) is a student organization on campus aimed at building a community with other students from the Sweetwater Union High School District. Follow them @CSSA_SDSU on Instagram!
Where can I keep up with Compact Scholars events and information?
- Feel free to follow us on Instagram @eopos_mentoring to stay updated on new events and/or check out the EOPOS Canvas page under the “Compact Scholars Newsletters” module for our monthly newsletter!
