As Compass College closes, Calvin guarantees transfer option for all Compass students.
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan – Calvin University and Compass College of Film and Media today announced they have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a pathway in which students from Compass College’s innovative and nationally recognized film and media arts programs are being invited to transfer to Calvin University, becoming part of its award-winning Department of Communication.
“Calvin and Compass are uniquely aligned in our missions to equip students to use their gifts to the glory of God,” said Wiebe Boer, president of Calvin University. “After an impressive year of student awards and faculty accomplishments in Calvin’s film and media major, we continue to evolve our vision for faith-centered storytelling across traditional and emerging platforms and mediums.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to work with a faith-based institution that shares our commitment to reimagining the future of storytelling through cutting-edge film studies programming, knowledge and skills,” said Joanna Hogan, president of Compass College. “Calvin’s incredible film and media program, robust course offerings in other subjects, strong on-campus community, and extensive resources in student life, housing, health services, fitness and more will be a tremendous asset to our students’ academic and personal development.”
Students who are currently enrolled in Compass College or were slated to begin coursework in the Fall 2023 semester are guaranteed spots at Calvin University, where they can major in Calvin’s film program as transfer students or direct-admits depending on their current status. Calvin has committed to ensuring credits earned at Compass transfer to Calvin, and will match tuition to what students expected to pay this year and will honor their financial aid award packages in subsequent years.
“Our goal is to ensure students’ transition from Compass College to Calvin University is as seamless as possible,” said Lauren Jensen, Vice President for Enrollment Strategy at Calvin University. “We are working hand in hand with Compass College staff to create a framework for this transition that serves the best interest of students, faculty, and staff of both institutions.”
Calvin University will also have a physical presence in downtown Grand Rapids in assuming ownership of the 29,000-square-foot building at 41 Sheldon Avenue SE. Calvin will use the building as an additional learning facility for film studies and other areas of learning that serve Calvin’s vision for deeper engagement with other communities and partners in the city.
The closure of Compass College’s degree program is expected to be finalized prior to the start of the Fall 2023 semester, pending the completion of a comprehensive framework for the transition of assets, regulatory approvals and the approval of the boards of both institutions.
About Calvin University
Founded in 1876, Calvin University is a top-ranked, liberal arts institution that equips its more than 3,200 students from 48 U.S. states, nearly 60 countries, and five Canadian provinces to think deeply, to act justly, and to live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world. Calvin offers 100+ majors and programs, including a growing portfolio of graduate-level offerings. Calvin students engage in intensive internships, community-based service learning, and significant research that results in publishing and presenting alongside world-class faculty. The university’s 400-acre campus is in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Discover more at www.calvin.edu.
About Compass College of Film and Media
Compass College is a private, nonprofit Christian college committed to the expression of biblical faith through creativity and the educational pursuits of the professional disciplines of filmmaking and media arts. Compass College will close in October 2023 after over 25 years empowering visual storytellers and preparing graduates for careers in every corner of digital media.
