Calvin University and Compass College of Film and Media announced they have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a partnership in which students from Compass College’s innovative and nationally recognized film and media arts programs are invited to become part of Calvin University’s award-winning Department of Communication.
Students 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 honour their financial aid award packages in subsequent years.
Speaking on the collaboration, the President of Calvin University, Wiebe Boer, said:
Calvin and Compass are uniquely aligned in our missions to equip students to use their gifts to the glory of God. After an impressive year of student awards and faculty accomplishments in Calvin’s film and media major, integrating Compass College’s in-depth technical program will add a new dimension as we evolve our vision for faith-centred storytelling across traditional and emerging platforms and mediums.
This partnership will unite two institutions with complementary strengths in film and media education to create a richer educational experience for students. It will also create a physical presence for Calvin University in downtown Grand Rapids in Compass College’s 29,000-square-foot building at 41 Sheldon Street SE. Calvin will continue to use the building as a 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.
Joanna Hogan, President of Compass College, added:
We are thrilled to select a faith-based partner committed to reimagining the future of storytelling through cutting-edge film studies programming, knowledge and skills. 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 student’s academic and personal development.
Compass College of Film and Media aims to educate and equip smart filmmakers to be story-centric, technically astute, globally and culturally aware, and impactful in their content creation. The institution has the unique mission of educating students to enter this highly influential industry and tell stories that initiate positive change. It has empowered visual storytellers for over 25 years and prepared graduates for careers in every corner of digital media.
The collaboration and closure of Compass College’s degree program are expected to be finalized before the Fall 2023 semester starts, pending the completion of a comprehensive framework for the transition of assets, regulatory approvals and the approval of the boards of both institutions.
Lauren Jensen, Vice President for Enrollment Strategy at Calvin University, commented:
Our goal is to ensure students’ transition from Compass College to Calvin University is seamless. We are working hand in hand with Compass College staff to create a framework for this partnership that serves the best interest of students, faculty, and staff of both institutions.
Founded in 1876, Calvin University is a top-ranked liberal arts institution that equips more than 3,200 students from 48 US states and nearly 60 countries. The University 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.
