The Student Compass (Opiskelijan Kompassi in finnish, ‘OK’) is a well-researched, web-based mental wellbeing and life skills program developed at the University of Jyväskylä. OK aims to support students’ mental health, academic functioning, and life skills. Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the program is part of JYU’s Student Life wellbeing model. The operational models of Student Life and the Student Compass are funded by the University of Jyväskylä.
Students can use the program independently or with the support of trained wellbeing coaches—anytime, anywhere, and anonymously.
The Student Compass stands out through its long-term research foundation, practical applicability, and continuous development. It is not a short-term project but a well-integrated part of JYU’s student wellbeing services. Along with the digital program, new models of guidance, psychology students' professional training, and digital tools have been developed. Student feedback is consistently positive – nearly 90% of users recommend it to their peers.
Since 2011, the Student Compass has been developed in close connection with rigorous scientific research. Randomized controlled trials have shown that the program significantly improves students' psychological flexibility, mental well-being, and ability to study, while also reducing stress, depression, and anxiety.
The program and its operational model have been studied both nationally and internationally in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, and several European institutions. The program has also been successfully implemented at Tampere University, where it is actively used and under research, with very promising results.
We are currently developing and researching AI-based solutions, including a personalized wellbeing chatbot to provide timely and individual support.
You can find detailed information about OK’s research, ongoing projects, and publications related to Student Compass on our website:
