Welcome to Fall Compass
College should be a launchpad, not a stumbling block. Fall Compass is here to make sure your transition isn’t just smooth—it’s transformative. Don’t leave your success to chance. Let’s build your foundation now.
Get to Know Us
With over two decades of experience supporting students and shaping inclusive academic programs, I created Fall Compass to help you navigate the transition with confidence and clarity. The first semester sets the tone—don’t leave it to chance. Let’s build your foundation now, together.
Skill Building
1
Confidence
Learn how to read your school's website and identify the resources and services that will make you happy in your new environment. Build confidence to identify your needs and how to find support or outlets that will increase your happiness and feeling of belonging!
2
Organization
You will learn about planning for your first term in college / university. How to manage time, prepare for classes, review material and how to communicate with your instructors, teaching assistants and the professor.
3
Habits
Learn how to develop or strengthen strong academic habits around class preparation, major and minor assignments and reviewing for exam preparation. Be guided through building good health habits and balancing academic life wiith your social life.
Services
We provide a three session curriculum to help orient and guide students new to their colleges and universities
New School / New Experiences
Focused review of your school's website and college offices and services, we'll registering for classes and how to manage disappointments and concerns if specific classes are not available.
Getting to know your Instructor
Having classes means having instructors. Besides the classroom teaching and learning you're also in some new relationships. Learning how to interact with faculty can help build on feeling welcome and building belonging.
It's also work!
For many students college classes are daunting, but their also liberating. Instead of 6 hours or so of class each day, you might only have 2. How do you manage time? Keep on top of work? And, maybe you're also involved in activities or have a job...
News and Updates
Events
October 9, 2025 - Presentation to Seattle Area College Counselors
The New York Times: The Typical College Student is Not Who You Think
The diversity and circumstances of American college students is changing all the time!
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The New York Times: What Declines in Reading and Math Scores Mean for the U.S. Work Force
Now is the time to invest in strengths-based, transition-focused support that meets students where they are, builds trust, and equips families and educators with tools to foster resilience and academic recovery.
Rose D. WA
“ Working with Seth was one of the best decisions we made for my daughter's college success. His deep knowledge of college systems and resources provided the guidance I couldn't offer as someone without traditional college experience. Seth helped my daughter think strategically about her course selection and, more importantly, showed her how to find and utilize the support systems available at her school. The conversation was both informative and empowering, giving her tools to navigate college more confidently."
Miriam B. WA
"I worked with Dr. Messinger while completing my undergraduate honors thesis, and his advice and guidance were consistently supportive throughout the year-long process. Dr. Messinger was very easy to talk to and offered helpful suggestions, both within the research process and in how to maximize the future potential of my research. He also wrote letters of recommendation supporting my applications to graduate schools and scholarships, all of which I was fortunate enough to be accepted for. I am so grateful for his encouragement, guidance, and genuine care throughout every stage of the process; his support made a real difference!"
Carina, W. CA
“My daughter had just started UC Berkeley and getting classes and knowing what to ask her advisor was overwhelming at one point. Seth helped her advocate for herself and take an actionable next step. She’s thriving now and navigating a big public with confidence.”
Get in Touch
Send us a note and we can start talking about your new school, address any concerns, and get you on your way to a successful first semester and year of college or university!