What is the Student Compass?
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 supports students’ mental health, academic functioning, and essential 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.
Research behind the Student Compass
Since 2011, the Student Compass has been developed in close connection with rigorous scientific research. Randomized controlled trials have shown the program significantly improves students' psychological flexibility, mental wellbeing, 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.
What makes the Student Compass unique?
The Student Compass stands out through its long-term scientific foundation, practical applicability, and continuous development. It is not a short-term project but a well-integrated part of JYU’s student wellbeing services. Around the program, new models of guidance, psychology student professional training, and digital tools have been developed. Student feedback is consistently positive – nearly 90% of users recommend it to their peers.
More information
You can find detailed information about OK’s research, ongoing projects, and publications related to Student Compass on our website. To explore the program itself, visit our platform (please note that logging in requires valid University of Jyväskylä credentials).
Principal Investigator and Student Compass’ Operational Model Lead: Panajiota Räsänen, university teacher, panajiota.rasanen@jyu.fi
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