Crimson Compass: Fostering Coug Connections Through Mentorship 

Not only does January mark the beginning of a new semester at WSU Global Campus, it is also National Mentoring Month—a time for students to explore the many opportunities to connect with alumni for guidance, resources, and support. Through the college’s new Crimson Compass program, these mentorships are more accessible than ever.

All Global Campus alumni and S&A fee-paying students are invited to apply for the program, which combines the traditional benefits of mentorship with the unique needs of online students, fostering community and Cougar pride all the way. Using the Cougs Connect networking platform, mentees are paired with mentors based on their individual needs, goals, and experiences. From there, the pairs are set to meet once or twice a month during the academic year to strategize, reinforce essential skills, and prepare mentees for their next steps in life.

Cara Fitzpatrick, a psychology student and current mentee in Crimson Compass’ inaugural cohort, spoke to some of the immediate benefits of participation. As she applied to graduate schools, the help of her mentor, Jill Knaack, proved indispensable. “Jill has been remarkable,” said Fitzpatrick, “she has gone over my CV and personal statements with me, and she helped me learn how to network better, which is what I was really looking for.”

Another of Knaack’s mentees, María De Jesús Huerta Vázquez, was able to connect closely with her mentor over their shared experience as first generation students. Like Fitzpatrick, Huerta Vázquez also hopes to pursue a graduate degree, though she initially did not know where to begin. “I need[ed] all the help I [could] get,” she said, explaining that “this is the first time anyone in my family has considered going to grad school.” With Knaack’s guidance, however, she has been able to navigate the application process with confidence, armed with new knowledge and connections to ensure her success.

Beyond the direct benefits to mentees, the Crimson Compass experience is also highly fulfilling to the alumni that serve as mentors. Both Knaack and her fellow mentor Keegan Harris spoke to the sense of continued connection to Global Campus that the mentorship experience has brought them. When interviewed, Harris said that he found that “getting involved with a formal mentoring program [is] a great way to give back to students.” Knaack echoed this sentiment and added that she was “especially drawn to the idea of supporting students like [her]—non-traditional, maybe a bit older than the ‘typical’ college student, and juggling work, home life, and coursework.”

To Fitzpatrick, this feeling of Coug camaraderie is mutual. “Because of the mentorship program… I’m part of this community in the same way that somebody [on the Pullman campus] is,” she said, even continuing to joke that “when I say ‘go Cougs,’ I actually mean ‘go Cougs!’”

When asked if they would recommend the Crimson Compass program to other students and alumni, each of these individuals responded in the affirmative. While Huerta Vázquez acknowledged the common feeling of uncertainty students may feel when considering these resources (perhaps asking themselves “am I the right candidate for this?”), she encourages potential mentees to “not to be afraid to speak up” and to advocate for themselves and their futures by taking advantage of the many opportunities available through Global Campus. When it comes to serving as a mentor, Knaack shared that “the experience is incredibly rewarding, and [that] it feels great to support students as they work towards the same goals you once did.”

This month, students and alumni alike are still invited to apply to be part of the next Crimson Compass cohort. Casey Bui, Global Connections’ mentoring program and alumni engagement coordinator, is available by email (casey.bui@wsu.edu) to answer any questions and provide further information. Interest forms can be submitted up until January 19, 2026. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the Global Campus community and prepare for success in the virtual classroom and beyond!

About the Author

Emma Seckington is a writer for WSU Global Campus, working alongside the Marketing and Communications team to spotlight the unique accomplishments of Global Campus students, faculty, and alumni.