Compass North

Discover Your True North.

Find Your People.

Lead with Purpose.

Compass North is not your average campus event. It’s an off-campus retreat designed just for you—our newest members of the Salve community. Whether you're figuring out your path, your purpose, or just your lunch plan for next week—this program is here to help you center yourself, build meaningful connections, and start your college journey with confidence. You'll head off-campus to a beautiful venue in the Newport area with your group for a half-day of connection, reflection, and real talk about who you are, what you care about, and the leader you’re becoming.

What to Expect:

  • Meet Your People: Connect with other first-year students who share your goals, values, and experiences. From day one, you’ll know you’re not alone. You’ll be part of something bigger.
  • Lead with Purpose: Learn what leadership in the Mercy tradition means, and how you can lead in your own way.
  • Find Your True North: Explore what matters most to you—through conversation, creativity, and connection.
  • Hear From Those Who’ve Been There: Upper-class peer mentors and student leaders will guide your experience with real stories, practical advice, and support that lasts beyond the retreat.

Choose Your Own Adventure!

Which Compass North do you want to join?

Student Athletes

Sunday, September 27, 2026
Sunday, January 17, 2027

Pell Honors Students

Sunday, September 20, 2026

Leadership Scholars Students

Sunday, January 24, 2027

Exploratory Students

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Residence Hall Communities

Walgreen Hall: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Miley Hall: Sunday, October 25, 2026
Reefe Hall: Sunday, October 18, 2026

Commuter Students

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Transfer Students

Sunday, October 18, 2026
Sunday, January 24, 2027

What First-Year Students are Saying...

"Compass North was a good opportunity to connect with other students in a setting that regular class time would not allow for."
"The Compass North: Student Athlete retreat helped me reflect on the optimal mindset student-athletes should have to succeed, both on the field and in life beyond Salve."

  • How do I register for Compass North?

    Choose from the event options above and register for one Compass North program.

    If you need to switch your original registration after the deadline, please email salvecompass@salve.edu for guidance. **We do understand that scheduling conflicts may arise. While we do our best to accommodate students with circumstances that may arise, we have limited capacity at each retreat and need to ensure we balance our participant numbers. Additionally, students who do not show for their registered Compass North Retreat without discussing with a Salve Compass team member in advance will be charged a $50 fee to cover costs that cannot be recovered. Please see below for more details.

  • What if I want to participate in more than one retreat?

    Most students belong to more than one of the affinity groups that Compass North is designed around. You are welcome to choose the group that you most wish to participate with! Certain dates may conflict for you, so if that is the case, choose one that does not have an important conflict for your schedule. Your group leaders (i.e. athletic coaches, program directors, etc.) may prefer you participate in a certain program with your affinity group. If that is the case, they will let you know!

    Questions about which Compass North to register for? Email us: salvecompass@salve.edu

  • Does this program cost anything to participate?

    Thanks to the generosity of Salve Regina donors and supporters who believe in ensuring you are set-up for success in starting your Salve Compass journey, your Compass North program is no additional cost to you! Transportation to and from the program, lunch and snacks, and all supplies are covered for you.

    **We do understand that scheduling conflicts may arise. While we do our best to accommodate students with circumstances that may arise, we have limited capacity each retreat and need to ensure we balance our participant numbers. While the costs of attendance are generously donated to provide you with this opportunity, should you not attend the Compass North Retreat for which you are registered without discussing with a member of the Salve Compass team in advance, your student account will be billed a $50 fee to cover the costs that cannot be recovered.

Come as you are.
Leave with a Compass.

Compass North is a celebration of you—your story, your journey, your direction. Whether you’re already sure of your path or still figuring it out, this first-year student retreat will give you the space, people, and confidence to move forward with your Salve journey.

Let this be the moment that guides your college experience.

Your community is waiting. Your compass is ready.