COMPAS at Deakin
Content warning: This page includes information about mental health and suicide prevention.
Uni can be rewarding, but it can also bring stress, change and uncertainty. COMPAS at Deakin is a voluntary wellbeing check-in that helps us reach out early if you may benefit from extra support.
COMPAS helps you connect with support early, before things feel overwhelming.
What is COMPAS?
COMPAS stands for Checking on Mental Health, Providing Alternatives to Suicide. It was developed by researchers at Curtin University and uses an evidence-based survey to help universities offer support earlier.
How COMPAS works
Complete the survey
Eligible students will receive an invitation to complete the online survey. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes, is voluntary and lets you skip questions you do not want to answer.
Wellbeing screening
Your responses are analysed using the COMPAS model to identify whether extra support may be useful.
Personalised outreach
If your responses show that support may be helpful, a trained member of the Deakin COMPAS team may contact you by phone, SMS or email.
Ongoing support
The team can help you understand support options and connect you with Deakin or community services.
Why COMPAS matters
Mental health challenges can affect any student. COMPAS helps Deakin take a proactive approach by reaching out early and connecting students with support.
Meet the COMPAS team
The Deakin COMPAS team includes Master of Psychology (Clinical) students who are specially trained to provide initial assessments, referrals, and follow-ups. All phone, email and text conversations are closely supervised by a Senior Clinical Psychologist to ensure safe, high-quality support. Wellbeing staff support students with care, respect and compassion.
What to expect
If the team contacts you, they will explain why, check it is a suitable time to talk and offer a confidential, supportive conversation. Taking part is voluntary.
Meet the people behind COMPAS
Explore the COMPAS website for more details about the research project, additional resources and training support.
Deakin support
If you need support with your mental health, Deakin has resources available to help.
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Counselling
Counselling: Free, confidential support from experienced psychologists and social workers, available face to face or by phone.
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After-Hours Mental Health Support Line
Immediate support between 5pm and 9am weekdays, and 24 hours across weekends and public holidays.
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On-campus medical centres
Accessible and confidential services on each campus.
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Multifaith chaplaincy
Spiritual support and on-campus prayer rooms available across all campuses.
External support
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.
For 24/7 crisis support, contact:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- 13YARN – 13 92 76
If you need support now, please reach out.
Frequently asked questions
Contact the COMPAS team
If you have questions about the program or would like more information, please contact: support@compas.org.au or secretary@compas.org.au.