COMPASS
Purpose
The Living Learning Community (LLC) for COMPASS students ("undeclared") provides first year with the opportunity to share in the excitement of learning about potential majors, career options and opportunities to engage with the campus community. Students are introduced to the academic culture of LMU in a supportive environment in which close relationships are built between faculty and students. Grounded in Jesuit and Marymount traditions, this LLC promotes intellectual curiosity, global perspectives, and a dedication to service. Students will engage with the city of Los Angeles through cultural, educational, and other transformative experiences.
COMPASS provides an opportunity for undeclared first-year students to become immediately connected to a supportive community of faculty, staff, and students; It offers intentional curriculum to help these students identify their interests, strengths, and values, as well as direct them to University resources and programs that will allow them to explore compatible options. Engaging these students their first year will help them build a strong foundation for continued success at LMU. This community is located on the second and third floor of Del Rey North Hall. For more information please contact
Jennifer Belichesky-Larson .
Required Academic Courses
Fall
- COMPASS LIBA Class
- English 110- College Writing
In addition to the required courses in the Fall semester, students are encouraged to take any of the following courses which satisfy University core requirements.
- American Culture Studies 100- Introduction to American Culture
- Philosophy 160-Philosophy of Human Nature
- Psychology 100- Introduction to Psychology
Spring
- COMPASS LIBA Class
- English 150-Introduction to Drama
Meet the Staff
COMPASS Program Coordinator, Jennifer Belichesky-Larson
Jennifer Belichesky-Larson is an alum of California State University at Northridge, Loyola Marymount University and University of California at Los Angeles. She received her B.A. in English Literature from CSUN in 2000. She then went on to LMU where she received a Master's Degree with a double emphasis in English Literature and Rhetoric in '03. After LMU, she pursued a second Master's degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA. Jennifer started working at LMU in the Fall of 2002, first as a Teaching Fellow, then as an Adjunct English Professor, and now as the Director of First Year Experience. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and dreams of becoming the world's next Scrabble champion!
COMPASS Resident Director, Del Rey North, Melissa Silverman
Melissa is the Resident Director for Del Rey North at LMU! She received her B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior with a minor in Education from UC Irvine where she enjoyed being a Resident Advisor, Peer Career Counselor, and studying abroad in Barcelona! Despite her original ambition to be an elementary school teacher, Melissa just couldn’t get enough of the college setting, so she decided to pursue her career as an educator in Student Affairs. After graduation, she attended San Diego State University, where she received her Masters in Postsecondary Leadership in Student Affairs while working in Residence Life and Judicial Affairs. She was fortunate to have the opportunity to do an ACUHO-I internship at the University of Central Florida, where she made new connections and explored Orlando. Growing up in Southern California, she couldn’t leave the sunshine, so she was thrilled to come to LMU and do what she loves—work with college students! Melissa also enjoys reading, hiking, trying out new cupcake bakeries, and going to Disneyland every chance she gets! She can’t wait to get to know the residents of Del Rey North and be a part of their college experience!
Resident Advisor Spencer Daly
Coming to LMU as an English major, then switching to screenwriting, then switching again to Liberal Studies, Spencer Daly, a Junior, has returned to his first love of Literature as he is currently pursuing a degree in English. Spencer Daly is heavily involved at LMU with groups such as Student Housing, Service organizations, and Student affairs. Having been an academic and social nomad during his college career, Spencer knows what it’s like to not have a specific knowledge of what path to take, and so he feels aptly suited to lead compass students on the same adventure for self-discovery and enlightenment that he himself has gone through and still continues to struggle with even to this day.
Resident Advisor Emilee Tollefson
Emilee Tollefson is a senior and a communications major. Emilee was born abroad and spent all of her life in Saudi Arabia and China, but she is a U.S. citizen and loves living in Los Angeles. She began her college career at the University of Tampa in Florida and transferred to LMU following her freshman year. She is actively involved on campus with Marians Service Org and National Residence Hall Honorary. She has participated in alternative breaks as well as studyed abroad in London and recently spent the summer doing an internship in Washington DC. Emilee loves theater and music and also enjoys baking, running, and traveling. Decision-making has never come easy (choosing colleges, choosing majors, even choosing what to buy can be tough) so Emilee feels that she will be able to relate to the incoming freshmen in the Compass program.
Resident Advisor Hilary Scheppers
Hilary Scheppers is a junior majoring in Natural Science with a minor in Environmental Science and Studio Arts. Hilary is from Edina, Minnesota and from a family of six total children. Some of her hobbies include writing, painting and exercising. Her favorite things to do on Fridays are my laundry, my hobbies or anything on her to-do list. Right now, I am all about finding your passion and taking that chance to follow it.