Welcome to
Metro City Your tightly edited and ruthlessly researched guide to the best of Metropolitan State University of Denver
Welcome, Smart Traveler
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The Smart Traveler’s Guide to the Best of
Dear Parents
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Road Map to a Holistically Successful University Experience
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Get the scoop from the best of the best page 6
2 Welcome Guide
Smart Traveler
Welcome to Metro City! As a member of the MSU Denver community, you now have a slew of resources dedicated to your journey. But what is success? Success starts long before graduation, before final semester grades go up, and even before you walk into a classroom for that big test. Success as a student starts with success as a person. The habits you need to learn to succeed in college are the same skills you need to develop to tackle whatever adventures await you as you strive to fulfill your potential.
Goals Habits
Your life isn’t segregated and divisible. Work, school, family, friends and hobbies make up the entirety of your time. Think of a stew: carefully selected flavors can blend into a savory mix, but a piece of rotten meat can spoil the whole meal and make you sick. Similarly, a bad day at school can affect your mood and your relationship with friends, and being burned out can cause illness. That’s why it’s important to keep your life in balance. At MSU Denver, many people are here to help you build an experience that fits your tastes. There is a resource on campus dedicated to you, no matter the nature of the challenge.
Social
Getting involved with clubs, organizations and classmates can be fun and rewarding. People are what make the university feel like a second home. Professors, advisers and professionals are your support system. They want to see you succeed.
Academic
It’s a university — the whole campus is designed to prepare you for a future career and a fruitful life. Learn and master key study skills such as writing, note taking, test taking and researching.
Physical
Time and energy are arguably the two most precious resources we have. Nutrition, exercise and rest all directly affect our health and the amount of energy we have to put into life. How much energy do you have when you are sick in bed all day? It makes sense to take care of your health.
Metro City 2012-2013 Highlights 1
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Everywhere you look while traveling through Metro City you’ll find evidence of a proud university setting high standards and reaching milestones. Roadrunners are a diverse and scrappy bunch, and we want you to celebrate your accomplishments. Here are some of ours during the 2012-2013 academic year:
Goals and Habits
Goals and habits tie everything together and drive progress in your life. You might want a good grade, but if you don’t develop good study habits, it won’t happen. Choose your goals and practice good habits to ensure success.
Emotional
Emotions can be like binoculars, helping you anticipate problems and relate to others, or like clouds, distorting your vision and blocking clear thinking. Develop your relationships and coping strategies to attain emotional health and increase your happiness.
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1 June 7, 2012: Board of Trustees approves change to Metropolitan State University of Denver.
2 June 7: Board of Trustees approves new tuition rate for undocumented students.
Sept. 14: Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center opens.
Feb. 7: Rowdy bashes car at Thursday bonfire during Homecoming Week.
Oct. 3: Blind artist/pianist Henry Butler at King Center.
Feb. 25: Step Afrika! performs at the King Center.
Nov. 10: Veterans Day celebration.
March: ROTC wins MacArthur Award as one of nations top eight units.
Aug. 22: Jack Hannah at the Tivoli.
4 Jan. 18, 2013: MLK Peace Breakfast.
Sept. 5: Student Success Building grand opening.
Jan. 23: MSU Denver second at CFA Global Research Challenge.
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Sept. 8: Sports equipment donated as memorial to Jessica Ghawi.
5 February: “Kiss Me, Kate” production at King Center.
9 April 29: Gov. John Hickenlooper signs ASSET bill at SSB.
May: Softball pitcher Aubree Maul battles ovarian cancer, brings awareness to the disease.
7 March 13: Max Brooks lectures on World
May 2: Justice Sonia Sotomayor on campus for speech and book-signing.
8 April 7: Men’s basketball team runner-up
June 5: Athletic Complex groundbreaking scheduled.
War Z.
for NCAA Division II title.
Photos courtesy of The Metropolitan
Welcome Guide
Before You Travel
Parents make a world of difference for a student’s success in college Family, friends, professors and classmates can all be of huge help, but there is no one nearly as essential as parents. They can be their own little version of a university, serving as counselor, financial aid adviser and academic adviser all rolled up into one. It’s important for your students to know they are not alone.
Dear parents: College can be exciting, terrifying, overwhelming and rewarding for both student and family. Sometimes, it is all of these at once. The key to succeeding in Metro City is all in the support, and now is the time to start contributing to your student’s success.
This excursion won’t always be easy – in fact, at most times, it will be anything but. Parents, you are there for encouragement, support and advice. Although there’s no guarantee your student will always heed your counsel, just having it will be paramount to success. Parents, you may play the part of alarm clock, calendar, ATM, guidance counselor or any of many roles. At times, you will be the one to hold the map for your student as they puzzle through Metro City. From the library to the Student Success Building, use this guide to plot new routes and scope out points of interest, all dedicated to your student’s achievement and accomplishment. This is just as much a journey for you as it is for your student, but as long as you travel together, you can make it to your destination: graduation. Happy travels, parents. Nikki Work, Managing Editor
GET TO KNOW STUDENT MEDIA The Met Report weekly television broadcast covers campus, local and national news. Since its formation in 2001, The Met Report has evolved into an awardwinning broadcast, earning Heartland Emmys for Outstanding Student Achievement in 2005 and 2007. The Metropolitan, a dynamic media source since 1979, brings investigative news, opinion, sports, music and entertainment coverage to the Auraria Campus each week. Since its inception, the newspaper has won more than 400 regional and national awards for writing, reporting, editing, photography and design.
Metrosphere is MSU Denver’s annual literary and arts magazine. Its mission is to collect the very best of student and alumni creative achievements in a high-quality publication and inspire students to share their work beyond the classroom, workshop or art studio setting. In publication since 1984, Metrosphere received the prestigious Pacemaker Award from the Associated Collegiate Press in 2007 and 2011. KMet Radio streams on the Web from its studio in the Tivoli Student Union. The diverse programming found on KMet Radio covers a wide variety of tastes and appeals to a range of listeners, with live and prerecorded shows. Photos: Mike Fabricius & Rachael Stamps
www.metrostudentmedia.com Tivoli 313 • 303-556-2507 studentmedia@msudenver.edu
MetroStudentMedia
@MetStudentMedia
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Welcome Guide
Your
City Map 1. Ti voli |
The Tivoli has some serious history: It began as a brewery before the days of Prohibition and despite many changes of hand and several closures, it is still one of the most historic and distinguished buildings in Denver. The Tivoli has been a Student Union since 1994 and now houses much more than hops and barley – it is home to all the students of the Auraria Campus.
2. Student Succes s Building | The Student Success Building, one of the newest buildings on campus, is the hub of offices that every student needs. The offices of Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Admissions, Bursar, Registrar and First Year Success are all housed here, along with many other helpful headquarters. The SSB is also the White House of MSU Denver: President Stephen Jordan’s office is on the fourth floor.
Tip: Don’t miss out on free counseling at the Counseling Center.
Tip: Get inspired by MSU Denver Creates.
Tip: You can get personality testing at Career Services
Tip: The PE Building has a free gym! Check the info desk to find out about free fitness classes.
5. Emmanuel Gallery | Tucked between the PE Building and the Library, the Emmanuel Gallery appears nondescript; however, inside its stone walls are masterpieces. The Emmanuel Gallery houses about five art exhibitions per semester.
6. Auraria Library | Tip: You can see plays at the King Center for free with your student ID.
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4. PE Building | The PE Building doubles as the fitness hub and the Auraria Event Center. It houses a full gym that is open to all MSU Denver students and is paid for in student fees. It’s also the epicenter for huge events on campus, such as prominent guest speakers.
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Tip: The Health Center offers free testing and hosts a variety of fitness classes.
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8. King Center | Tip: You can reserve a smart classroom for you next study group.
Tip: Take a walk through the Art Building to find some inspiration.
7. Art Building | The Art Building is home to the creative spirits of MSU Denver. Both the Music Department and Art Department are housed in this building. Just walking through its halls, snippets of instrumental practice can be heard, and student artwork is splashed across the walls.
Tip: Gather your friends and hit up Sigi’s for a great time.
3. Health Center at Auraria | Health Center at Auraria is the place to go for aches, pains and testing. It also offers medical care for a variety of situations, including illness, urgent care, physicals and immunizations. They also offer a variety of testing options, including those for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, skin and mole evaluations, and cholesterol screening.
Tip: This gallery offers art and design exhibits you won’t want to miss.
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The Auraria Library is the only library in the nation that serves three institutions. With thousands of books behind its walls and off-campus online access to a plethora of academic journals and other resources, the library is an academic necessity for MSU Denver students.
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The King Center is the performance arts core of campus. As well as hosting classes every day, the King Center building is home to several theatrical and musical performances every semester, many of which are free to MSU Denver students.
Th e City Outside “Metro City”
We all get a little burned out or blue sometimes. At Metro City, there’s a built-in support system designed to get you through tough times. The MSU Denver Counseling Center has a multitude of resources, from individual counseling to support groups to diversity workshops to crisis intervention. Counselors can even help you quit smoking. Because students are super busy, the center also offers online resources.
EMOTIONAL
The Academic Vital Signs Program exists to help you find your way. During a medical visit to the Health Center at Auraria, you may receive a referral to the program. Here’s what you can expect from the program: A coordinator will interview you to assess your needs and set up appropriate service-related appointments. You might connect with an academic counselor, or a therapist at the MSU Denver Counseling Center, or a peer educator. It all depends on your specific needs.
Take control of your succes s ACADEMIC
MSU Denver Counseling Center Tivoli 651 303-556-3132 www.msudenver.edu/counsel
SOCIAL
Health Center Plaza Building, Suite 150 303-556-2525 www.msudenver/healthcenter/
PHYSICAL
A Little Help from Your Friends
Center for Urban Education Tivoli 243 303-352-7129 msudenver.edu/urbanconnect
Rowdy Bucks Tivoli 313 303-556-2507 metrostudentmedia.com/rowdy-bucks
Center for Visual Arts 965 Santa Fe Drive 303-294-5207 msudenver.edu/cva/
Cheer on an at-risk teenager as she scales a mountain for the first time – and gains the confidence to tackle unknown challenges. Prepare a meal for a child without a home. Help raise funds for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The Center for Urban Education will help you connect with the larger Denver community. Definitely look into its volunteer service arrangements, civic engagement programs and community projects.
This is a discount program designed for students. Student Media coordinates with local businesses and organizations to provide deals on dining, entertainment and more. Stop by the lobby in the Student Success Building and use the touchscreen kiosk to find the latest specials.
Did you know MSU Denver has an off-campus art gallery? In addition to showing significant contemporary art, the award-winning CVA serves as an interactive art laboratory for MSU Denver students and the larger community. Oh, did we mention it’s in the nationally known Art District on Santa Fe Drive? Put this on your list of places to explore. You’ll find more than 60 galleries, restaurants and shops – and it’s all just a light rail ride away.
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City Guides
Students who have traveled the path show you the way Every spring, MSU Denver hosts the Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony. Students feast on hors d’oeuvres while honoring the exceptional academic, community and personal achievements of peers: an engineer with a 4.0 who had a job waiting for him when he graduated, an athlete who was as impressive in class as on the field, a volunteer who helped transform a community, and a parent who raised the bar in class and children at home. These are a few of the Outstanding Students of the Class of 2013. Let these stand-out students be your tour guides in navigating MSU Denver. Student Media gathered tips from five of this year’s eight award winners to help you find highlights from the best college has to offer.
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Answers have been edited for length and clarity. These Outstanding Students had more tips for success. Read their full answers online at: www.metrostudentmedia.com/WelcomeGuide. Photos taken by Jessica Taves, courtesy of Student Engagement and Wellness, except Khanh Tran, courtesy of Khanh Tran.
1. Shawn Patrick Brndiar Outstanding Student, School of Professional Studies
Resources The professors and the support staff. Once I finally decided to make the connections with important people, my studies became so much easier. Making friends across campus has helped me change classes, get notes, settle my account, get appointments, or even be offered a cupcake between classes! Never underestimate your department’s administrative staff. (Thanks, Deb!). What freshmen should know You don’t have to take on 100 jobs, but picking one to get involved with will make the experience fun and meaningful. Getting involved helped me feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. It also helped me feel like I belonged, I was a bigger part of the campus. What you learned It didn’t happen overnight, but I wish I had known that I would find my place. It took a lot of hard work, but it was worth it; the problem was I expected everything to fall in place too quickly. It will happen, but you have to have the work ethic and patience. What contributed to your success I used to think that I had to do this alone, but once I started to turn to my resources, things became much easier. From asking my partner George to proofread my papers to asking my counselor for help when I felt overwhelmed. It took a team of people. Words of wisdom Anyone can be successful. I wasn’t your typical “smart” person when I entered Metro, but learning that I didn’t have to go alone helped me become successful.
2. Henry Duong
Special Service Award, Student Affairs
Resources New Student Orientation has been the most important resource for a few reasons. I never would have imagined that working for New Student Orientation would end up shaping
who I am today, but it did. It offered me the chance to develop and grow as a leader. More importantly, it helped give me the sense of campus pride and belonging that I was searching for.
What freshmen should know GO TO CLASS! You’ll get better grades and have a better experience overall. It’s only an hour and fifteen minutes, and you’re paying big bucks to do it.
What freshmen should know How to use resources and how to get involved. Places such as First Year Success and the Student Academic Success Center are great resources for connecting with other first-year students and to get the free tutoring you need to be successful. Student Activities has the all-access pass to helping students find various ways to get involved.
What you learned Not everything has to be perfect. If you are going to be a perfectionist, you’re going to wear down fast. Do good work and stay true to your own style. Don’t pull all-nighters. Don’t be scared to talk to your professors. They’re there to help, and if you know them on a personal level, on a personal level they will be more privy to helping you in class as well.
What you learned I wish I knew how to appreciate the process and transition that was taking place as I started school. Embracing the change from high school to college was something that I thought I would be able to handle, but it turned out otherwise. Being able to be openminded will help a lot.
What contributed to your success Because I was 110 percent dedicated to my education, I did well. I followed through on everything, I turned in every assignment, I asked for help when I needed it, I went to all of my classes, I took notes when I was there, and I was actively involved daily.
What contributed to your success First and foremost, my primary motivation for all my successes is my family. I understand that my parents emigrated to the United States to provide a better opportunity for my little brother and me. They sacrificed their lives, working everyday at dead-end jobs, just to give me hope for a better life.
Words of wisdom Join a club to get involved. Metro can be a lonely place sometimes; so, if you can find some friends, it will be a million times better.
Words of wisdom College is where you get to discover who you really are. Whatever path or journey you end up taking, remember to be patient. Enjoy every moment you have through this process, and you will be rewarded.
Resources Talk to the staff, professors, organizations/ clubs, etc. Get an idea of the course load. In advising, they don’t understand as much about your program as your department.
3. Annalyse Garcia
Outstanding Student, Interdisciplinary Award
Resources The computer labs on campus. Since student fees cover $25 in printing, you might as well use it. Another great resource was the student fee-paid bus pass. This is like gold. I used it multiple times daily, and I can only imagine how much gas and car wear and tear I saved by doing so. Use the bus pass!
4. Patrick Kuretich Outstanding Fall Graduate
What freshmen should know Do your homework. This is not high school. I was a returning student. It was about a 10-year difference between high school and college for me. It’s going to be tough; don’t take it for granted. Take it seriously. The job market is tough. What you learned A lot! Find a good group of people to work with. You’re not going to be able to do everything on your own. Find lab partners
and study partners to form a really good core group of people to work with. What contributed to your success In my case, it was my wife. School takes a lot time and work; having an understanding support system is really important. Words of wisdom There is no reset button. Do your best, and then you can get the most out of your experience. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself to do something harder than you think you can do. Have fun.
5. Khanh Tran
Outstanding Student, School of Business
Resources Metro offers many free services for students, such as Academic Advising Center, Tutoring Center, Writing Center, Career Services, Student Activities and so on. Check out the school website and catalog to learn more about these services and where to go for help. What freshmen should know Talk with an academic adviser to learn about all different majors available at Metro, as well as what you can do with that major. It will help you choose the right classes and graduate sooner instead of wasting your time switching between majors. Career Services also offers personality tests to help you learn more about yourself and figure out which career you want to do. What you learned There are a lot of organizations/clubs for students to get involved. It is a great way to share your interests, make new friends, gain new experience and have fun. What contributed to your success Giving everything my best effort. I am not afraid of challenges and see them as an opportunity to experience and learn new things. I believe failure is not a bad thing. What matters is not how you failed but what you learned from your failure. It will help you avoid the mistakes and be successful in the future.
Welcome Guide
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