Colorado State promotes the integration of classroom education with hands-on learning experiences. We believe in giving students the opportunity to practice what is learned in the classroom in ways that will deepen understanding and broaden perspectives.
UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
Office in Academic Village
Robert R. Keller, Director
(970) 491-5679
Program Philosophy
The University Honors Program, established in 1957, is a special learning community that offers extraordinary students a wide range of enriching educational experiences. Hallmarks of the program include small classes and interdisciplinary seminars taught by some of the University’s finest teachers, individualized academic advising, faculty-mentored research and other creative activities, an optional residential living and learning community in the Academic Village, early registration for classes (after the first semester), co-curricular activities, and assistance on applications for prestigious post-graduate awards. Approximately 1,200 students participate in the program where they receive a world class education, enjoy the personalized attention typically found at a small college, and benefit from the resources and diversity of a nationally acclaimed research university.
Main Features
1. University Honors Core Curriculum. Two curricular tracks provide enriched educational experiences for high ability students in all majors. The University Honors Scholar program of studies (Track 1) provides entering freshmen with the opportunity to fulfill a majority of Colorado State’s All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) by completing four Honors seminars, two Honors courses in the major, and a faculty-mentored senior year creative activity. The Honors requirements fulfill a majority of the AUCC without extending the time to graduation.
The Discipline Honors Scholar program of studies (Track 2) is designed for students who have already satisfied many categories in the AUCC through AP, IB, or college transfer courses. Track 2 focuses on upper division Honors experiences in the student’s major through small classes, enriched experiences, and opportunities for on-on-one interactions with professors. Students become a Discipline (e.g., Biochemistry or Business) Honors Scholar by completing three to four Honors courses (12 credits) in the major and a faculty-mentored senior year creative activity.
The two Honors Core Curricula are found in the University-Wide Instructional Programs chapter of this catalog.
2. Graduation as an Honors Scholar. Students who complete the Honors requirements and achieve at least a 3.500 cumulative grade point average earn the prestigious designation of Honors Scholar for Track 1 or Track 2. Scholars are recognized at graduation, and the Honors Scholar designation appears on their diplomas and transcripts. For more information on graduation as an Honors Scholar, see the section on Graduation Requirements and Procedures in this catalog.
3. Admission to the Program. The application and selection process, which targets high school seniors and transfer students, is designed to attract an Honors class that represents high academic achievement, diversity of life experiences, and great promise for contributing to the Honors and University communities. Typically, between 340 and 360 first-year students enroll in the Honors Program each year. Currently enrolled CSU students can also apply to the University Honors Program after their first year of college.
4. The Honors Learning Community. The optional Honors Residential Learning Community (HRLC) links in-class and out-of-class student learning through residence life experiences and special programs. Students, especially first-year students, are encouraged to take advantage of this special opportunity. The HRLC is home to the Honors Office and classrooms that are used for seminars, special lectures, study sessions, and a wide variety of co-curricular activities. The 24/7 Fireside Lounge is located near the Program Office.
RESIDENTIAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Housing and Dining Services offers Residential Learning Community (academic and themed floors) in some of the residence halls. These programs offer a unique residential experience consisting of special interest areas that help build positive communities with students who share similar academic or personal interests and/or lifestyles. There are twelve Residential Learning Community options designed to be academic or co-curricular in their focus. These communities connect students with faculty and staff advisers who engage students in their learning and provide information about opportunities available at Colorado State University.
Engineering Residential Learning Community: Located in the Academic Village on the south side of campus, the Engineering Residential Learning Community provides the perfect atmosphere for College of Engineering students to succeed. Residents have an instantaneous support network with other students who have a similarly academically rigorous program. Study groups, tutoring, and review sessions for examinations are all held within the Academic Village. In addition to the Academic Village, Allison Hall also provides an Engineering Residential Learning Community for first-year and returning students. College of Engineering faculty participate in events in the community to get to know their students better.
Equine and Agricultural Sciences Community: Students who have an interest in science and industry, animals, agronomy, farm and ranch management, food science, horticulture, landscape design, or agricultural business and economics, will find a welcome environment in the Equine and Agricultural Sciences Community. Residents in this community in Edwards not only study together, but they also support each other’s efforts with the Equestrian Team, Polo Team, Collegiate Horseman’s Association, Rodeo Club, and many others. Being active and involved members of the community are important to students living in the Equine and Agricultural Sciences Community.
Global Village: Global Village, located in Braiden Hall, consists of both domestic and international students from a variety of international backgrounds (including Global Nomads) who share an interest in world relations and building bridges of understanding between cultures. Students with a high school International Baccalaureate diploma may find Global Village to be the next step in their journey. Global Village is the perfect connection for students who have lived abroad, or are interested in majors in anthropology, foreign languages, international business, international studies, political science, natural resources recreation and tourism, social work, sociology, and speech communication.
Health and Exercise Science Community: The Health and Exercise Science Community (HES Community), located in Corbett Hall, is the ideal niche for students interested in majoring in health and exercise science with concentrations in health promotion and sports medicine. Residents of this floor live with other students who are taking many of the same classes, have similar career goals, and are equally interested in living an active and healthy lifestyle. The HES Community will offer consistent opportunities for experiential learning via the Campus Recreation, Hartshorn Health Services, and University Counseling Centers. First aid and CPR (among other courses sponsored by Hartshorn Health Services) will be offered in Corbett Hall. Conveniently located by the Recreation Center and Moby Athletic Arena, Corbett Hall is ideally located for HES students.
Honors Learning Community: See the description earlier in this chapter under University Honors Program.
Ingersoll Residential College (Natural Sciences): Residents of the Ingersoll Residential College (IRC) in Ingersoll Hall have a major in the College of Natural Sciences. Students share an interest in science and want to live with others who share similar interests. Many IRC residents take the same classes, so it is easy to form study groups and ask other residents for assistance with homework. The College of Natural Sciences Tutorial hall meets five nights a week in Ingersoll Hall and offers free tutoring for most first- and second-year science and math classes. The IRC hosts its own computer and video labs. Majors include biochemistry, biological science, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, natural sciences, physics, psychology, and zoology. Natural Science Open Option and Life Science Open Option students are also invited to become part of the Ingersoll Residential College. In addition to a significant focus on providing academic support, the Ingersoll Residential College also provides a wide variety of social opportunities.
Key Academic Community: The Key Academic Community in Braiden Hall is an academically-focused residential community for first-time freshmen. Residents on the Key Academic Community floors share values that are the foundation for the community: desire for academic achievement, active involvement in classes and campus activities, and appreciation of diversity. Residents have a range of tools to help them succeed, including enrolling in and attending three classes with other students in the community, group study opportunities, feedback on how they’re doing, leadership development, and connection with faculty. A separate application form is required. For more information contact the Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) at http://www.key.casa.colostate.edu.
Key Plus Community: The Key Plus Community, located in Braiden Hall, is an optional sophomore year program for students who participated in either the Key Academic Community, Key Service Community, or the Network CSU Community during their first year at Colorado State University. Key Plus is still an academically-focused residential learning community at CSU but works more closely with students to develop strong leadership and career decision making skills. Key Plus is an honorary program opportunity with limited spaces, so students must apply and be selected to participate in this program.
Key Service Community: The Key Service Community is a first-year living learning community developed around the theme of “student leadership and civic engagement.” The Key Service Community is comprised of 150 students who live together in Braiden Hall and co-enroll in linked courses in groups of 19. In this community, students take advantage of year-long service opportunities while building connections with faculty and community organizations. Through discussion, service, and reflection, students develop a personal philosophy about their role in our world. Students also assess how they can contribute to a more civil society while becoming more active and positive role models within university life and beyond. A separate application form is required.
Leadership Development Community: This community in Corbett Hall provides students with the opportunity to continue the development of their leadership skills through a variety of involvement opportunities. Students often become involved in service projects and learn about on-campus and community leadership opportunities.
Live Green Community: This community in Summit Hall is for students who are passionate about the environment and would enjoy living with other students who want to live green at CSU. The Live Green floor is open to students in any major. Students on this themed floor will have the opportunity to participate in sustainability initiatives like recycling, composting, water conservation, energy reduction, and wind power projects.
Living Substance Free: If you are committed to enjoying college without using alcohol or drugs, this option in Corbett Hall offers an environment to support that decision. Students who choose to abstain from alcohol and/or drugs for personal, religious, or health reasons as well as those from alcoholic backgrounds or recovering from addictions, are invited to participate. A variety of social opportunities are offered to make this a fun and involved community.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
A member of Campus Compact, CSU promotes programs that develop citizenship skills and values, including service learning and partnerships between the campus and community. CSU has been named a “Top Character-Building Institution” by the Templeton Foundation.
President’s Leadership Program (PLP)
The President’s Leadership Program is a fourteen credit leadership development experience consisting of three year-long academic and experiential courses designed to explore the personal, organizational, and social dimensions of leadership. Students must apply to each year of the program and 80-100 students participate annually.
Associated Students of
Colorado State University (ASCSU)
Office in Lory Student Center, ASCSU Complex
(970) 491-5931
All full-time Colorado State students are members of Associated Students (ASCSU), the student governing body that promotes the interests and welfare of the students. ASCSU is comprised of three main branches: Senate, Cabinet, and Supreme Court. Student senators and the ASCSU cabinet represent all CSU students. Programs and services provided by ASCSU include Ram Road Trips, RamRide, Ram Leadership Team, ASCSU Handbook Planner, and the ForEver Green shirt program.
Closely affiliated with student government are student-faculty committees including the Student Funding Board, Athletic Advisory Committee, Lory Student Center Governing Board, Student Health Advisory Committee, and Student Fee Review Board.
In addition, ASCSU students are elected annually by Faculty Council as voting members to the following Faculty Council Standing Committees: The Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics, The Committee on Libraries, The Committee on Scholarship, Research, and Graduate Education, The Committee on Strategic and Financial Planning, The Committee on Teaching and Learning, The Committee on University Programs, and The University Curriculum Committee.
College Councils
Students can contact their Deans’ Offices in order to find out more about the College’s Student Council and the leadership opportunities it may afford. Students who have not declared a major should contact the Center for Advising and Student Achievement to get information about the Intra-University Academic Council (see http://www.casa.colostate.edu/clubs/IUAC).
HONORARY SOCIETIES
Promoting, advancing, and recognizing the top scholars of our campus community, honorary societies assist students in their pursuit of academic excellence. Criteria for membership and the scope of activities vary widely – some societies focus primarily on scholastic achievement; others consider grades along with other factors such as community service and leadership. For a listing of various honorary societies at Colorado State University, visit the web site www.provost.colostate.edu/index.asp?url=honorcsu. A list is also available in the Graduation Requirements and Procedures chapter of this catalog.
RESEARCH AND CREATIVE
OPPORTUNITIES
Qualified undergraduate students have many opportunities to engage in research and creative activity while enrolled at Colorado State University. These opportunities allow students to enhance their education by working closely with a faculty mentor. Settings for these activities include laboratory, office, concert halls, and studio environments on campus. Some opportunities exist off campus, as well, at state and national laboratories located in and near Fort Collins. Students can identify faculty research and creative activity by searching departmental websites and by contacting advisers or college and departmental offices. Students can then contact faculty who are willing to enlist undergraduates in their research and creative work. The amount of time spent in such activities varies but generally ranges from six to ten hours per week on average. Placement, time commitments, and qualifications are dependent upon an agreement between the student and faculty mentor.
More than 300 performances, exhibits, and arts events are staged each year, from an internationally-recognized poster show to student-produced theater and opera. Facilities include the Hatton and Curfman Galleries, the Music Recital Hall, and the Lory Student Center Theatre. Phase I and Phase II construction is complete on the University Center for the Arts, housing the Edna Rizley Griffin Concert Hall – recently listed as by the Denver Post as one of the top five places for live chamber music – the University Theatre, the Studio Theatre, the Runyan Music Hall, and production support facilities. Phase III construction which began in 2006, is scheduled to be completed in Fall Semester 2008. The newly renovated areas will include recital and rehearsal halls, dance performance space and studios, classrooms, and faculty offices. The campus culture at Colorado State is steeped in the performing arts.
Celebrate Undergraduate
Research & Creativity (CURC)
The achievements of students in the areas of research and creativity are recognized each spring semester. Students are invited to participate in a variety of events focused on original research, creative arts, and design, culminating in a showcase that features outstanding performers and award winners from all disciplines. Award winning projects from recent years ranged from genetic and neural studies to improvements in the apparel design process to poetry. Please see the website at www.curc.colostate.edu.
SPECIAL FELLOWSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Assistance is available to qualified undergraduate students who wish to apply for specific scholarships and fellowships sponsored by federal and private organizations. These include but are not limited to the Truman, Marshall, Udall, Rhodes, Cooke, Goldwater, and Fulbright scholarships and fellowships. Generally, these scholarships and fellowships are highly competitive and have specific requirements for high grade point averages (GPAs), a commitment to service both on and off campus, and specific career and professional goals. In many instances, these organizations are willing to support undergraduate and/or graduate work within the United States as well as in foreign countries. Students can identify and determine eligibility for these scholarships and fellowships by viewing the website of the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarship Programs, http://www.nationalscholarships.colostate.edu. Students may also contact Heather Esterday (heather.esterday@colostate.edu) for information, campus deadlines, and assistance in submitting applications to the appropriate organization.
BROADENING ACADEMIC HORIZONS
Enhancements to Your Major
Students may broaden their academic horizons at Colorado State by adding a second major, a minor, an interdisciplinary studies program, or a second or third language to their courses of study. Students may take advantage of pre-medical, pre-veterinary, and pre-law advising and clubs. More detail can be found in the Degree Programs chapter of this catalog. Another way to broaden academic horizons is to do an independent study. Information about Independent Study is found in the chapter on Advising and Registration.
International Programs
Office in Laurel Hall
Jim Cooney, Associate Provost/Director of International Programs
(970) 491-5917
Graduate schools and employers are looking for people with international experience who understand the world and appreciate other cultures. Study abroad, area studies programs, and international education courses are just a few of the many ways Colorado State can prepare students for work in the increasingly global economy.
Colorado State offers over thirty University-sponsored study abroad programs on six continents and study abroad opportunities exist for most majors. Area studies interdisciplinary programs exist for Asian, Latin American/ Caribbean, Russian, Central and East European, and international development studies offer certification in an international specialty that complements a degree program in any area of the University. More detail can be found in the International Programs and Services chapter or University-Wide Instruction Programs chapter of this catalog.
Summer Session
Office in Administration Building
Barbara Gotshall, Director
(970) 491-1590
There are many opportunities for students at Colorado State University in the summer session. Students who wish to take courses during the summer session do not have to be formally admitted to the University.
There is a great selection of classes with over 500 courses from which to choose. Summer school is convenient: courses are accelerated (offered in 4- and 8-week terms with several mini-courses available) giving students the flexibility to work and make other summer plans. It’s a suitable time to complete a prerequisite, take a required course, improve one’s GPA, or lighten one’s course load for another term.
Summer is an appealing time. The campus atmosphere is relaxed and hassle-free. The classes are generally smaller. It’s a time when students can focus on one or two classes. New freshmen and transfer students enjoy summer classes as a way to transition to the University. Returning teachers pursue advanced study and graduate students conduct research during the summer session. Academic departments sponsor a variety of institutes, conferences, and workshops. Pre-college programs for high school students and youth programs are available on campus during the summer months. A visit to the Summer Session homepage provides information about the University’s summer activities.
Requests for a printed copy of the Summer Class Schedule can be made from the summer homepage or by calling (970) 491-1590. Detailed information about summer session is available atwww.summer.colostate.edu.
OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
There are literally hundreds of opportunities for students to broaden their horizons outside of the classrooms. We have only noted a few here. More information can be found in the Student Services chapter.
· Thriving sport club programs offer over 30 teams that compete on the regional and national scene. Club teams have won six national championships in the last five years, and lacrosse, ice hockey, cycling, soccer, polo, and volleyball are nationally ranked or recognized this year.
· Students hold membership to a 100,000 sq. ft. indoor and 32-acre outdoor Recreation Center. Facilities include disc golf, roller hockey, cardio theatre, weight rooms, pool with sun deck, and more.
· The Lory Student Center is home to an active student government and 300 clubs and organizations.
· CSU offers a wide range of civic engagement opportunities ranging from one-day special events, classroom experiences, year-long service clubs, community-based research, and volunteer opportunities during spring break.
· Internships are offered in many academic areas and include some international opportunities. Academic programs offer several ways to receive academic credit for internships, with most being administered at the departmental level.
Athletics-Intercollegiate
McGraw Athletic Center
Paul Kowalcyzk, Director of Athletics
(970) 491-5300
The University is a member of Division I-A of the NCAA and competes in the Mountain West Conference. Other conference members include Brigham Young University, San Diego State University, Texas Christian University, the United States Air Force Academy, the University of Nevada‑Las Vegas, the University of New Mexico, the University of Utah, and the University of Wyoming.
The University sponsors men’s intercollegiate competition in basketball, cross country, football, golf, and track (indoor and outdoor). It sponsors women’s intercollegiate competition in basketball, cross country, golf, softball, swimming/diving, tennis, track (indoor and outdoor), volleyball, and water polo.
Colorado State University recognizes intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of its mission; therefore the University is committed to the pursuit of excellence with integrity in athletics.
A strong intercollegiate athletic program gives talented student-athletes the opportunity to develop their physical, intellectual, and leadership skills as they participate in all aspects of college life, represent their school in athletic competition and in the community, and pursue college-level studies to prepare themselves for meaningful careers. Therefore, the Department of Athletics’ administrators and coaches are expected to recruit qualified student-athletes who can succeed academically and athletically and who will represent the University responsibly and with integrity. Administrators, coaches, faculty, and staff are obligated to encourage and help student-athletes balance the demands of athletic participation with those of the classroom and to assist them in achieving success in both their sport and their chosen field of study. They are also obligated to guard the physical and mental well-being of student-athletes and refrain from doing or encouraging anything that would jeopardize the health or welfare of the participants.
Intercollegiate athletics can foster a sense of loyalty, community, and support among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. The University subscribes fully to the principles of fair play. It will at all times insist that its athletic program and everyone connected with it embody the spirit of athletic amateurism and abide by and uphold the laws, rules, and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics.
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is supervised by the Director of Athletics. The Faculty Council Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics serves in an advisory capacity to both the President and the Director of Athletics. Regulations for the conduct of intercollegiate athletics conform to those established by the Mountain West Conference and the NCAA.
Student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics must comply with all eligibility and academic requirements of the University, the Mountain West Conference, and the NCAA, and are expected to make consistent and satisfactory progress towards completion of their degree programs. Student-athletes are also required to conduct themselves in conformance with the department’s specific expectations in the areas of academics, athletics, and social and outreach activities.
Athletics-Sport Clubs
Sport clubs are student-run competitive sport organizations that compete with other colleges and play for national championship sport club titles. For additional information, contact the Campus Recreation department, Student Recreation Center, (970) 491-6359 or visit www.campusrec.colostate.edu.
