COMPASS Programs is the name given to all the different services which the Counselling Service provides. As well as meaning to guide in terms of direction and to help find one's own way, COMPASS is an acronym for the following:

Counselling
Providing short-term counselling for students is one of our main priorities. Students may seek counselling for many different reasons, whether it be to get help with a problem, to improve on existing life-skills, or simply to talk something over. All our counsellors are skilled and experienced professionals with a special interest in student development. You can come along for a one-off chat or have a few appointments if you like - it's up to you. All free and confidential. So if you ever find you need someone to talk to on campus, why not give us a go?

Orientation
We participate in the O-Week orientation program as well as the Peer Mentor Programs across the different UNSW schools and faculties. For more info on these programs check out Starting at UNSW.

Motivational support
Motivation is one of the things which puzzles students the most! How do you get it? Once you've got it, how do you keep it? What happens when it deserts you - what do you do then? what if your usual methods of motivating yourself suddenly stop working? What are healthy ways to motivate yourself (and others)? Our team of psychologists can help you work out the answers to these and more tricky questions through our workshops and seminars, our self help books and web-resources, or through individual counselling sessions. And if you are dealing with some difficult emotions or life circumstances then don't forget to make sure you are getting support from somewhere before you start trying to fix your motivation!

Personal skills development
Because at COMPASS Programs we take a wholistic approach, we value you as a whole person, not just in terms of your academic achievement or being a 'success'. We want you to learn how to find a good balance in your daily life. A balance that promotes overall physical and mental health and well being. A balance that includes using and developing your different skills, talents, interests and abilities. We know that this is one of the best ways to succeed in your chosen field and at the same time become a happier, healthier person. Some of the generic skills which we help students develop include leadership skills, communication skills and creative thinking skills. And there are many more. Why not expand your university education and enroll in a skills development workshop today?

Advisory services for staff
Staff of the Counselling Service often act as advisors and consultants for academic or administrative staff on a range of issues relevant to student welfare and progress. These consultations are confidential, and are done in such a way as not to breach the confidentiality of any students. Especially popular amongst academic staff are the programs, workshops & seminars we run for students, as well as the Campus Care program to assist staff in supporting students 'at risk' of personal crisis or poor academic progress. We have also been helping school and faculties across UNSW to set up their own Peer Mentor programs for first years and new students, and have provided training to many of the student mentors and their supervisors. And don't forget - our team of psychologists can design a seminar or workshop specifically for your students within your school or faculty - with enough notice of course! Just check out our current schedule of student workshops then fill out the online request form if you decide you would like something different or more specific to your target group.

Seminars and workshops
From Self Esteem to Succeeding at Uni, from Teamwork to Time Management and Procrastination, we run seminars and workshops galore! Check out our programs, workshops and seminars for students and even register online.

Self help resources
We have a range of different resources to help students help themselves. Choose from our web-based info sheets, links to other great sites, recommended books in our lending library, pamphlets on lots of different topics in our self help waiting area, or advice and information about other services for students, either on-campus or out in the community. At COMPASS we believe it is our job to help students learn to stay on track themselves, with a little help along the way of course.