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ASCSU Services for students Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation ASCSU helps fund the operations of the Rocky Mountain Student Media Corporation, which includes: • The Rocky Mountain Collegian (campus newspaper) • CTV (campus television broadcast) • KCSU 90.5 (campus radio broadcast) • College Avenue Magazine (campus magazine) • Student Video Productions
Ram Road Trips Ram Road Trips are affordable trips planned by ASCSU to help students travel to CSU sporting events. Packages include game tickets and transportation. There is usually a Ram Road Trip to the Rocky Mountain Showdown each fall. ASCSU sponsors these to boost Ram pride, support CSU athletics and allow fans to have a great time.
Elections Every year during the spring semester, the student body elects new members to the ASCSU Senate and Executive branches. Each college on campus is given seats on the ASCSU Senate that needs to be filled by students from that college. To run for a position, visit the ASCSU office in Room 206 in the LSC. Voting takes place through your RamWeb account.
Ram Leadership Team The aim of the program is to get first- and second-year students involved on campus throughout the year, developing and applying leadership skills across the campus or in the community. The program is student led and students decide each year what the team’s focus will be. This group of students works closely with members of ASCSU.
Collegiate Readership Program The Collegian Readership Program (CRP) provides students access to newspapers such as the New York Times, the Denver Post and USA Today to create a sense of atmosphere of community awareness and preparing for our rapidly changing global society. The CRP exposes students to the news in their living, working and community spaces.
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Transfort ASCSU has partnered with the City of Fort Collins to help fund the Transfort Bus Service. Transfort is free to all fulltime students with the use of the CSU ID card. This also includes the MAX bus, a bus service that takes riders up and down the Mason Street corridor.
TestFile ASCSU keeps a record of old tests used by professors that students can use as a study tool. Tests are available for a variety of services and courses that range from Astronomy to Zoology. If you would like to study from an old test, visit the ASCSU office in Room 206 in the LSC.
Student Funding Board The Student Funding Board has $200,000 of student fees to allocate to student organizations that sponsor cultural, educational and community-building events. The purpose is to help student organizations garner the funding they need to put on events for the campus community.
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
a message to new students
Dear Students: Welcome to Colorado State University, and congratulations on becoming a Ram! Whether you’re a first-year student or transferring in from another college or university, we hope this orientation will set you on the road to a successful CSU career. Having been through college orientations with my own daughters in recent years, I know how overwhelming it can be. There’s a lot of information to process, and while we do our best to prepare you for fall semester and the start of classes, you may leave with a little uncertainty and some of your questions still unanswered. Remember, this is just the beginning of an ongoing process of learning about your university and discovering your place here at Colorado State. One of the first things you’ll discover is that no two students have exactly the same CSU experience. Everyone comes to campus with their own unique background and experiences – and with a personal set of goals, hopes, and expectations. What you get out of your time at CSU depends largely on you and your own choices. Still, this guide contains insights and recommendations from students and others who have found their own ways to be successful here – and it’s a good way to start finding your way around campus and in the community.
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I have a unique vantage point as CSU’s president because I get to meet our first-year students at Ram Welcome in the fall, as they’re first settling into the residence halls and learning how to get to class through the maze of construction fences. Then, a short four …or five… years later, I get to shake their hands as they receive their diplomas. I am invariably astounded by how much someone can be transformed by the college experience, from an eager if uncertain freshman to a graduate with the confidence to go out, start a career, and make a difference in our world. A lot happens in those intervening years to make that transformation possible. Your CSU journey is just beginning, and all of us who work on campus—from the faculty members who teach and advise you to the staff members who handle housing, financial aid, and student services—are here to help you gain the most from your college experience. So if you need our help, just ask. And if you need to know where to get a decent cup of coffee, remember this free guide. It’s your friend. Have a great summer and orientation – and I look forward to seeing you in the fall at Ram Welcome! Sincerely, Dr. Tony Frank President
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going greek:
Greek Life at CSU Students have the opportunity to join one of 40 recognized fraternity or sorority chapters at CSU. Greek Life gives students the opportunity to meet new people and form everlasting relationships in the Greek community. These chapters also give back to the community through philanthropy events supporting charities such as Shamrocky Road, St. Baldricks, and other programs such as the Girl Scouts. This community of over 2,000 individuals gives campus a smaller feel, uniting students from all different backgrounds and interests. Students interested can find out more during rush in the fall, when new brothers and sisters are recruited. This gives students an opportunity to learn more about the houses before committing.
Recognized Fraternities: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alpha Gamma Omega Alpha Epsilon Pi Alpha Gamma Rho Alpha Sigma Phi Alpha Tau Omega Beta Gamma Nu Farmhouse Kappa Alpha Psi Kappa Sigma Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. Phi Delta Theta Phi Gamma Delta
• • • • • • • • • • •
Phi Kappa Tau Phi Kappa Theta Phi Kappa Alpha Pi Kappa Phi Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Nu Sigma Pi Theta Chi Triangle
Recognized Sororities: FIND OUT MORE Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life LSC, Room 142 Phone: 970-491-0966 Website: csugreeks.colostate.edu 24 | Ram Orientation Guide 2015
• • • • • • • • • •
Alpha Delta Chi Alpha Sigma Kappa Alpha Phi Gamma Sorority, Inc. Chi Omega Delta Delta Delta Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delta Xi Nu Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Gamma Phi Beta Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Delta
• • • • • • • •
Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Inc. Kappa Kappa Gamma Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, Inc. Pi Beta Phi Pi Lambda Chi Latina Sorority, Inc. Sigma Alpha Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. Zeta Tau Alpha
How to Get Around Fort Collins Zipcar Zipcar is a 24/7 rental car service where you pay an hourly fee to use, with gas and insurance included in the price. In order to join, you pay an annual membership fee of $25, and it allows you access to the 3 Zipcars on campus. This is a great option if you are without a car, but want the flexibility and access of one. To sign up, visit www.zipcar.com/colostate.
Biking Fort Collins is a major biking city, and you can get just about anywhere on and off campus with a bike. If public transportation is not for you, invest in a bike, as it can help you get to class and beyond. Not to mention it’s very ecofriendly, something Fort Collins is known for.
Around the Horn Around the Horn is CSU’s cross-campus shuttle service. The shuttle runs Monday through Saturday, making 13 stops at select points around campus. The route begins at Moby Arena and continues around The Oval and ends at the Lake Street Garage. The route also stops on University Street to align with the MAX bus.
MAX Bus
Transfort Thanks to ASCSU, CSU students have acces to Transfort, the bus system that runs throughout the Fort Collins area as part of their student fees. Within Transfort, there 20 different routes, taking you anywhere from Old Town to City Park. The buses run from around 6 a.m. to about 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with many routes stopping at the CSU Transit Center at the Lory Student Center. Included is the FLEX bus, which runs from Fort Collins to Longmont. For more information about routes and schedules, visit www.ridetransfort.com.
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Fort Collins’ newest bus system runs up and down the Mason Street corridor, starting at the Downtown Transit Center in Old Town and ending at the South Transit Center just past Harmony. MAX links with other Transfort bus routes, bike/pedestrian trail systems, and other regional routes to provide effortless transportation for Fort Collins residents. For CSU students, the MAX location closest to the heart of campus is at the University Street Station.
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THE ULTIMATE CSU BUCKET LIST:
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things to do before you graduate
*The following information was compiled by the Associated Students of CSU
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Wear your For-Ever-Green shirt Get a photo with CAM the Ram Participate in Ram Welcome Yell loudly when the ROTC cannon is fired after CSU scores during a football game Serve the community by participating in CSUnity or Cans Around the Oval Attend “Grill the Buffs” rally to support the Rams as they take on the CU Buffaloes Join a student organization (learn more through the annual Involvement Expo and RamLink.) Eat a free lunch and listen to the speech at the President’s Annual Fall Address and University Picnic Help build a float and cheer on the annual Homecoming & Family Weekend parade Hike to, help paint, or light the “A” Find out who Peanuts the Bulldog was Vote in each ASCSU election Climb, hike, swim, camp, or relax at Horsetooth Reservoir (or all five!) Learn the CSU Fight Song and sing it with gusto Sport your orange at an “Orange Out” game Sing or dance along with the CSU Marching Band – in the
audience or as a member 17. Get in the CSU spirit by tailgating before a CSU home football game 18. Make a statement on the Stump in the LSC Plaza 19. Join in the MLK Day March in January 20. Find the high-water mark from the 1997 flood in the Lory Student Center and in the Oval 21. Ride a TransFort bus 22. Attend – or perform in – a University Center for the Arts (UCA) production 23. Take a picture of you and your friends on the steps of the Administration Building 24. Cheer on the Rams at the Rocky Mountain Showdown 25. Learn why CSU is called a “land-grant university” 26. Study in the sun on the Monfort Quad 27. Spend a Friday afternoon in the Ramskeller 28. Take a moonlight stroll across the Oval 29. Learn more about a culture or community that isn’t your own at a Student Diversity Programs event 30. Volunteer for RamRide 31. Make – or fill – a request on KCSU (90.5) 32. Attend an ASAP concert, comedy program, or other event 33. “Get Your Green On” and wear CSU gear on Fridays 34. Submit a “RamTalk” to the Collegian
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35. Play in or cheer on an intramural or Sport Club team 36. Cross the Vietnam Memorial Bridge and think about why it’s there 37. Work off a stressful day at the Recreation Center 38. Thank whoever made your college experience possible (Parents/families, teachers, yourself, scholarships/ donors) 39. Throw a Frisbee by the Lagoon 40. Spend a Saturday night in Morgan Library 41. Meet the dean of your college 42. Do a victory lap at the Jack Christiansen Memorial Track 43. Celebrate CSU’s commitment to sustainability by getting to class in a greener way than a car 44. Watch a program on CTV 45. Attend a Border War Game against Wyoming 46. Have your picture taken with all of the Ram statues on Campus 47. Hug a tree in Sherwood Forest 48. Go to an art show in the Curfman Gallery 49. Dine at the Aspen Grille 50. Learn how to make – and stick to – a budget 51. Go to the annual CSU Rodeo 52. Get an internship or seek out a practical experience
outside the classroom 53. Wish CSU a happy birthday at the annual Founders Day celebration in February 54. Go to CSU’s world famous International Invitational Poster Show 55. Put together a stellar résumé at the Career Center 56. Debate with a speaker on the LSC plaza – the CSU community values the free exchange of ideas 57. Learn about or visit CSU’s Mountain Campus 58. Play in the snow on the West Lawn 59. Attend a Monfort Lecture 60. Profess your love for CSU on I Love CSU Day 61. Chalk the sidewalks around the Lory Student Center 62. Have a meaningful international experience 63. Rub Bill Morgan’s nose in the library for good luck 64. Introduce yourself to a CSU Police Officer 65. Swap stories with a CSU alum 66. Have a picnic on the grass of the Oval 67. Join in RecycleMania 68. Take a picture at the place that meant the most to you on campus 69. Have coffee with your favorite faculty member 70. Graduate – and join the Alumni Association
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RAMWELCOME
august 20 - 23
The Ram Welcome experience is intended to help connect students to friends they may have met during their summer orientation, students living on their hall, and other current Rams. All first year, transfer, and returning students are invited to the event that takes place Thursday, Aug. 20 thru Sunday, Aug. 23, the weekend before classes begin. First-year students are expected to attend Ram Welcome with their Resident Assistant and Ram Welcome Leader. The event serves as an opportunity to wexplore more academic programs, meet faculty and staff, learn about CSU resources and services, all while having fun and learning CSU traditions. Students also have the opportunity to take part in their CSU class photo, where the incoming cohort spells out the letters C, S, and U. This is a tradition that has been taking place for several
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years now and the photos are on display in the Lory Student Center. Transfer students, adult learners, and student veterans have a Ram Welcome experience that is better catered to their needs. It is a shorter, two-day experience that takes place on Thursday, Aug. 20 and Friday, Aug. 21. The main purpose of the event is to help teach these demographics who already know how to be college students, how to be a CSU student. They also have the opportunity to connect with staff and explore more of what it means to be a Ram. Some of the events students can look forward to include a RAMbunctious Pep Rally, a casino night called Ramapalooza, a family picnic, a hike to the “A”, and a carnival complete with obstacle courses, cotton candy, and other free games and food. More information and a detailed schedule of the experience can be found on Orientation and Transition Programs’ website at otp. colostate.edu.
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A LETTER FROM YOUR ASCSU REPRESENTATIVES We are incredibly excited for you to begin your journey here at Colorado State University. The magic of this journey you are about to embark upon is that you can pave your path however you wish in order to make it your own. CSU has a multitude of opportunities for you to take advantage of in order to flourish in your time here before you graduate. Whether it be getting involved with clubs, student leadership, research, or service: there is a place you to belong here at Colorado State. You are now a part of the Ram Family, and these next years are going to be some of the best in your life. The Associated Students of Colorado State University (ASCSU) is your student body government. Our duty is to serve as representatives that bridge the gap between faculty, administration, and the students. The student voices and concerns are our highest priority, and we dedicate ourselves to communicating your best interests to all facets of the University. In addition, ASCSU oversees the allocation of your student fees, which supports programming and resources to augment your student life on campus. These resources include, but are not limited to, five free counseling sessions at the health center, free student tickets to athletic events, guest speakers or concerts through RamEvents, and a nonjudgmental safe ride called RamRide. We, as your ASCSU President and Vice President, strive to dedicate ourselves to representing you effectively and ensuring your experience here at CSU is the best it can possibly be. To achieve this, we seek collaboration with not only all formal student representation
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groups (student organizations, diversity offices, college councils, etc.) but the general student population as well. It is crucial to have the voices of our diverse campus heard at the table when decisions are being made that affect students. We will work tirelessly to make this Ram community reflect what you want to see with your education and experience. As your student government leaders, we are here to help your voice be heard at the table. This could look like getting involved with one of our three branches of government, stopping by our office in the Lory Student Center, or simply writing to us in “Your Voice” on RamWeb. You are a part of the CSU now and we want to work with you to make the CSU community a place that feels like home. Throughout your career at CSU, take a chance to make the experience impactful and exciting. Get out there and find out what interests, drives, or inspires you. There is something new for you to do or learn every day here in this community, so invest in every moment of your time and don’t let these years go to waste. We cannot wait to see you all flourish in this transition to this new chapter in your life. Welcome to Colorado State University, we wish you the best in your collegiate career. GO RAMS! Best, Jason Sydoriak, ASCSU President Taylor Albaugh, ASCSU Vice President
Photo courtesy of sydalba2015.squarespace.com
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It is crucial to have the voices of our diverse campus heard at the table when decisions are being made that affect students.
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CAMPUSES ABOVE AND BEYOND CSU’s Main Campus CSU’s main campus stretches from Laurel Street to Lake Street north to south, and from Shields Street to College Avenue east to west. The original buidings are located on and surrounding the Oval, which was constructed in 1909. The oldest building on campus is Spruce Hall, completed in 1881. The modern day heart of campus is surrounded around the Lory Student Center and the Plaza. Campus has slowly expanded, with its newest building, the Behavioral Sciences Building, completed in 2010.
James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital The Vet Teaching Hospital is located just south of campus at 300 W. Drake Road. It is considered one of the finest veterinary hospitals in the country. It offers both small and large animal care and houses the renowned Animal Cancer Center. It services over 19,000 small animals and 2,700 large animals from all over the world.
Foothills Campus CSU’s Foothills Campus is about three miles west of the main campus. It is home to programs in atomospheric science and equine science, including numerous labs and research facilities. The Foothills Campus houses several outreach centers such as The Center for Diesease Control and Prevention, the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA).
CSU Mountain Campus Located 50 miles west of Fort Collins, CSU Mountain Campus is a 1,177-acre facility that serves as a field site for CSU’s natural resources students. Since 1916, this breathtaking campus is located 9,000 feet above sea level, adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park.
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THE OUTDOORSMAN’S GUIDE TO Hiking
fort collins
Horesetooth
The name for the iconic rock that is shaped like a horse’s tooth, Horsetooth is a moderate 4-mile hike to the top of the rock. Down below is a reservoir for boating and swimming. Definitely a must for any Fort Collins resident.
The “A”
CSU students know the “A” to symbolize the university’s former mascot, the Aggies. This easy hike is perfect to do during the day or night, as it overlooks the entire city of Fort Collins, even Hughes Stadium!
Rocky Mountain National Park
This is for those folks who want to get out of the Fort Collins area to hike. Rocky Mountain National Park is right outside of Estes Park, about an hour away from Fort Collins. If you want to hike in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, this is for you.
Sports IM Fields
Running/Biking
The intramural fields are in the heart of the CSU campus, right outside the Rec Center. The IM fields host a variety of intramural sports, sports practices and anyone who just wants to throw a Frisbee on a nice day. On the edge of the IM fields are sand volleyball and basketball courts, with equipment available to check out at the Rec Center with your CSU ID.
Spring Creek Trail
City Park
Just south of campus, the Spring Creek Trail follows Spring Creek throughout many parks in Fort Collins for about 7 miles. It extends from West Drake Road through Spring Creek and the Poudre River, where it joins the Poudre Trail.
Mason Trail
The Mason Trail is in the central core of Fort Collins, stretching from Prospect Road to Harmony. This 3.5 mile trail is a safe option for both pedestrians and bikers, connecting to the Spring Creek Trail and the Fossil Creek Trail.
Fossil Creek Trail
This trail runs along Fossil Creek and extends west and north to meet the Spring Creek Trail at Spring Canyon Park. The trail is about 5 paved miles.
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Located on Mulberry and Shields, City Park is CSU students’ go-to on a sunny Colorado day. City Park is one of Fort Collins largest parks, where CSU students do activities ranging from slacklining to LARPing.
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