Belonging is This Program’s Purpose

At Otterbein University, the sense of belonging is more than a feeling — it’s a mission. To that end, the Office of Social Justice and Activism (OSJA) created a new mentoring program for students from marginalized backgrounds and first-generation students, helping them carve out their place and flourish within the campus community.

Launched in fall 2023, Campus Compass is a tiered mentoring program that gives under-represented students the direction, encouragement, and strategies they need to overcome obstacles to graduation. Students benefit from an entire network of peer, professional, and community mentors.

First-year students, who can be stressed as they acclimate to the challenges of the university experience — especially if they have not had a parent or sibling attend college before them — are paired with third- and fourth-year student mentors who can provide advice, support, and friendship as the new students become oriented, gain confidence, and make friends.

“I had an amazing time my first year at Otterbein but having Campus Compass made my first year much better . . . I didn’t have to stress or figure things out on my own,” said Nina Goodlett ’27. “With Campus Compass, college didn’t feel like I was thrown in with the sharks, but rather just getting my feet wet.”

The program is equally valuable to the student mentors, who are supervised by Otterbein alumni and develop the leadership and professional networking skills that will prepare them for life after college.

“The Campus Compass program has offered me invaluable opportunities for growth as a student, a person, and, most importantly, a mentor,” said Kelsy

Gibson ’23, who was key to the program’s success, both as an OSJA staff member and a mentor.

“I take immense pride in mentoring my incredible mentees,” she added. “I am grateful and privileged to assist them in any capacity and witness their transformations from high school seniors to fully engaged and successful college students.”

After a successful first year, Campus Compass is already expanding. In fall 2024, first-year students will become mentors themselves, working with pre-college students in Westerville and surrounding areas.

While Otterbein is a predominantly White institution (PWI), approximately one-third of its student body self-identifies as being from a different background, so the OSJA seeks to make certain that every Otterbein student — regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic — finds their community here. At Otterbein, “Belonging” is not just a buzzword; it is a promise.