Program Overview

Introduction to Kompass

Kompass is a free three-day extended summer orientation and freshman-year retention program designed to accelerate academic success for incoming freshmen, first-generation, Pell-eligible, and all other students in Agriculture, Arts & Sciences, APDesign, Business, Education, Engineering, and Health & Human Sciences.

Program Dates

The 2026 program dates are August 16-19, 2026.

Program Benefits

Kompass benefits include:

• A 3-day university experience program, which integrates academics to prepare for the rigors of college life.
• Early move-in into their assigned Residence Hall, with the early move-in fee paid by the program.
• On-campus industry visit with the corporate sponsor, Koch Ind.
• Professional, cultural, scholarship, and academic opportunities.
• Support from College Directors and Peer Mentors.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Kompass, students must:

• Apply to attend the summer before their freshman year at Kansas State University.
• Plan to major in Agriculture; Business; Engineering; Health and Human Sciences; Arts and Sciences; Architecture, Planning and Design; or Education.
• The program is targeted to all freshmen, including those who are first-generation and/or Pell-eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Kompass Program Information

• Q: What are the benefits of the Kompass program?
  • A: Kompass students can start their college careers early, spending 3 days getting to know other students, faculty, the Kansas State University campus, and their majors. They also experience industry connections and meet professionals and faculty who can serve as mentors throughout their college careers. The program comes with a one-time scholarship for their first year.
• Q: Can I still participate if I can only attend part of the summer program?
  • A: It is required that students attend and participate in all scheduled Kompass activities.
• Q: Can I attend Kompass if I don't plan on being a freshman at K-State during the Fall?
  • A: Kompass is a summer bridge program for incoming K-State freshmen. Students planning to enroll in a different college/university during the Fall semester are not eligible.
• Q: Can I attend Kompass if I don't plan on being an Arts and Sciences, APDesign, Agriculture, Business, Education, Health and Human Sciences, or Engineering Major at K-State?
  • A: Kompass is for incoming K-State freshmen studying within the listed colleges. Students planning to enroll in a different college/major program are not eligible.

Program Costs

• Q: What costs are covered by Kompass?
  • A: Kompass covers the early move-in fee for those living with on-campus housing. Meals for off-campus students are covered during the program dates; on-campus students will utilize their dining plans.
• Q: What costs are not covered by Kompass?
  • A: Kompass does not cover expenses related to traveling to and from Manhattan, K-State's Orientation fee, and personal items.

Kompass Logistics

• Q: Where will I live during the Kompass program?
  • A: K-State requires incoming Manhattan campus first-year students to live on campus during their first two semesters. Kompass students living on-campus will live in their assigned residence hall. Students granted an exemption must confirm access to their off-housing prior to the start of the program.
• Q: When can I move into the residence hall?
  • A: Kompass students will have time to move into their assigned residence halls following the Program Orientation. Those living off-campus should arrange to move in prior to or on the same day as the program.
• Q: Can I bring my car to Kompass?
  • A: K-State first-year students are allowed to bring a vehicle to campus but must register it with parking services. Kompass participants are not allowed to drive in personal vehicles during the program, with exceptions for off-campus residents. Kompass will provide safe transportation to and from designated events as required.
• Q: What do Kompass participants do during the program?
  • A: Kompass students participate in a wide range of activities over the course of the program. A sample schedule is available.