Discover Western. Gunnison, Colorado
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Table of Contents 4 Experiential Education
18 Be Yourself
6 Areas of Study
22 Residence Life
9 Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering
24 Athletics 26 Clubs & Organizations
10 Financial Aid 30 Sustainability 14 Adjusting to College 32 Students & Alumni 16 Academic Resources 34 Apply Now
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Greg Smith
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Elevation | 7,703 feet
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18 students | average class size 4
Eric Phillips
Learn by Doing
Experiential Learning We value experience at Western. Before students graduate, they work in labs, complete internships and contribute meaningful work to professional organizations. Small class sizes, engaged faculty and strong community relations mean students in all disciplines gain hands-on experience that prepares them for life after college.
Randall Gee
IN-CLASS EXPERIENCES
Carley Clegg
RESEARCH AT WESTERN
Carley Clegg
INTERNSHIPS
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GRADUATE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN CREATIVE WRITING (MFA OR M.A.) • Genre Fiction • Nature Writing (Earth StoryCraft) • Poetry • Publishing • Screenwriting MASTER IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (MEM) • Global Sustainability • Integrative & Public Land Management • Sustainable & Resilient Communities MASTER OF ARTS IN ART, GALLERY MANAGEMENT & EXHIBITS SPECIALIZATION MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION • Educator Effectiveness • Principal Licensure • Teacher Licensure MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE, HIGH ALTITUDE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ECOLOGY • Ecology & Conservation • Fisheries & Wildlife Management MBA, OUTDOOR INDUSTRY • Product Concentration • Service Concentration
BACHELOR OF ARTS
PHILOSOPHY—MINOR
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
ANTHROPOLOGY— MAJOR & MINOR
POLITICS & GOVERNMENT MAJOR & MINOR
BIOLOGY—MAJOR & MINOR • Environmental Biology & Ecology
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Global Studies
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Art History & Theory
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Pre-Law
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Graphic Design
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Pre-Law (minor)
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K-12 Licensure
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Secondary Licensure
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Studio Art
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Web Design & Development (minor)
ART—MAJOR & MINOR
COMMUNICATION ARTS— MAJOR & MINOR
PSYCHOLOGY— MAJOR & MINOR •
Clinical, Counseling & School Psychology
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Experimental
RECREATION & OUTDOOR EDUCATION— MAJOR & MINOR
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Film Studies
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Strategic Communication
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Theatre & Performance Studies
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Outdoor Environmental Education
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Film (minor)
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Outdoor Leadership
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Public Relations (minor)
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Recreation Management
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Theatre (minor)
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Creative Writing
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Secondary Licensure
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Humanities & Diversity (minor)
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION—MAJOR •
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education
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Criminal Justice
SPANISH—MAJOR & MINOR •
K-12 Licensure
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION— MAJOR & MINOR •
Energy Management
Diversity, Equality & Inclusivity
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Finance
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Global Citizenship
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Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math
Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship (ICE)
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Pre-Nursing
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Pre-Physical Therapy
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Secondary Licensure
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Wildlife & Conservation
CHEMISTRY— MAJOR & MINOR •
Biochemistry
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Secondary Licensure
COMPUTER SCIENCE— MAJOR & MINOR •
Data Science
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Information Security
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Software Engineering
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Web Design & Development (minor)
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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY— MAJOR & MINOR
EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE— MAJOR & MINOR •
Clinical Exercise Science
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Health & Fitness
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K-12 Licensure, PE (minor)
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Sport & Fitness Management
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Sport Psychology (minor)
GEOLOGY—MAJOR & MINOR •
Environmental Geology
Latin American Business
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Geoarchaeology
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Management
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Petroleum Geology
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Marketing
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Secondary Licensure
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Resort Management
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Individualized Contract
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Business Analytics (minor)
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Water Studies
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Business Law (minor)
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Actuarial Science
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ICE (minor)
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Data Analytics (minor)
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Sales (minor)
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Secondary Licensure
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—MINOR
ACCOUNTING—MAJOR & MINOR •
Financial Analysis
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Professional
HISTORY—MAJOR & MINOR
Gain a global perspective and travel with Western, one of LendEDU’s Top 50 Colleges for Study Abroad Programs. Visit western.edu/studyabroad.
Pre-Med/Cell & Molecular
SOCIOLOGY— MAJOR & MINOR ENGLISH—MAJOR & MINOR
GEOGRAPHY AND GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS—MINOR
STUDY ABROAD
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Public History
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Secondary Licensure
LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES—MINOR MUSIC—MAJOR & MINOR •
K-12 Licensure
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Music Business
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Music Technology (minor)
ECONOMICS—MAJOR & MINOR •
Secondary Licensure
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ART—MAJOR • Ceramics •
Graphic Design
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Jewelry
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Painting
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Photography
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Printmaking
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Sculpture
MATHEMATICS— MAJOR & MINOR
PHYSICS—MINOR
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS •
Computer Science
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Mechanical Engineering
ACCELERATED PROGRAMS
Grace Flynn
Greg Smith
ACCELERATE YOUR EDUCATION, ACCELERATE YOUR CAREER
Western offers a multitude of accelerated degrees, allowing you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years—saving you time and money. Pursuing this path also gets you out into the workforce, earning a paycheck and contributing to society sooner than if you had pursued a standard pathway. Each of our accelerated “3+2” programs functions a bit differently, but in general, you spend the first three years taking undergraduate courses and the last two taking graduate courses. After the fourth year, you earn your bachelor’s. After the fifth year, you earn your master’s. Explore all of our accelerated offerings!
3+2 ECOLOGY • B.S. in Biology or B.A. in Environment & Sustainability • M.S. in Ecology
3+2 HAEP Taylor Cull
• B.S. in Biology or Exercise & Sport Science • M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science, High Altitude Exercise Physiology
3+2 MBA • B.A. in Business Administration
Jake Burchmore
• MBA, Outdoor Industry
3+2 MEM • B.S. in Biology or B.A. in Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability, History, Politics & Government, Psychology, Recreation & Outdoor Education or Sociology • Master in Environmental Management
3+2 MGES
Randall Gee
• B.A. in Art or History • M.A. in Art, Gallery Management & Exhibits Specialization GO.WESTERN.EDU
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Science at Western Western’s roots are in the liberal arts, and we bring the same curiosity and problem-solving skills to our technical fields as well. Employers tell us they’re looking for engineers, computer scientists and technology workers who can do more than design and program; they’re looking for employees who think critically, write well and have both the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Western’s diverse curriculum prepares you to do just that.
BIOLOGY Conduct grant-funded research, see it published in peer-reviewed journals and present your findings at professional conferences. Our Thornton Biology Research Program ensures you’ll gain plenty of time in the lab and the field. Interested in the environmental side of things? Join Tri-Beta and the Wildlife Society for opportunities such as lynx tracking with government agencies.
CHEMISTRY Run labs, attend a variety of professional conferences and conduct grantfunded research. You can even help put on the annual chemical “magic show” for local elementary students. Looking to go into health care in the future? Reach out to the Healthcare Advisory Board, professionals dedicated to connecting you to meaningful shadowing and mentee positions.
GEOLOGY & PETROLEUM GEOLOGY Head out into the Gunnison Valley to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom or sit down at one of 20 workstations in the Scientific Computer Lab and Geology Research Lab, which boast interactive instruction and the most up-to-date industry software and data sets.
PHYSICS Earn more of your credits in labs while working closely with peers and professors. Explore your many options of designing your own independent study or work alongside faculty on research projects. You can even build a Mars Rover-like robot for NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium Robotics Challenge. 8
PAUL M. RADY SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING This is the first year of our new Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering, which houses Western’s Math and Computer Science programs, along with two special programs offered in conjunction with the University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science.
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
Randall Gee
Earn a Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering degree from University of Colorado Boulder—all on Western’s campus. • First two years: Take Western courses with Western professors as a Western student. • Last two years: Take University of Colorado Boulder courses with University of Colorado Boulder professors as a University of Colorado Boulder student on Western’s campus. • Earn a B.S. from University of Colorado Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science.
WESTERN COMPUTER SCIENCE • Choose the Standard Major for the most program flexibility or select an emphasis in Software Engineering or Information Security—or minor in Data Science.
WESTERN MATHEMATICS
Renderings provided by Mesa Properties.
• Go with the Standard Major for a sound foundation, select an emphasis in Actuarial Science or Secondary Licensure or a minor in Data Analytics.
STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY The planned 75,000-square-foot building will offer versatile teaching and lab spaces—including advanced instrumentation rooms, two large theaterstyle classrooms, and indoor and outdoor spaces designed to promote collaboration. GO.WESTERN.EDU
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100% of students considered for merit aid
Financial Aid in 10 Steps 1. Apply to Western The earlier, the better. Western uses a rolling admissions policy, which allows students to apply at any time. The earlier you’re accepted, the better you’re set up for housing, classes and financial aid. If you’re accepted by Nov. 1, 2019— and are eligible for merit aid—you’ll receive an additional $500 your first year. Visit western.edu/apply.
3. Merit Scholarship or Tuition Discount Once accepted to Western, you’re considered. Visit western.edu/cost to learn whether your GPA and test scores qualify you for a merit scholarship. If not, your state of residence could qualify you for 150 percent of in-state tuition via the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or Central Plains (CP) discount programs.
2. Complete FAFSA Before you do: a. Student and parent create FSA IDs (fsaid.ed.gov) b. Compile student and parent 2018 tax info c. Set aside approx. 1 hour d. Western’s school code: 001372 An FSA ID is a username and password necessary to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens Oct. 1, 2019. Doing this makes you eligible for grants, loans, scholarships and work-study. To fill out the FAFSA, visit fafsa.gov.
4. Tentative Award Look for this starting early December 2019. You will receive a tentative award in the mail, which is a first look at your estimated financial aid. Estimates include eligible scholarships, grants, work-study and loans.
5. FAFSA Priority Deadline Submit by March 1, 2020, for best award. To optimize your eligibility for loans and grants, fill out the FAFSA at fafsa.gov by the March 1, 2020, priority deadline. Refer to No. 2 for details. Note: After the priority deadline, you can still submit a FAFSA, although without priority status.
6. Official Award & Checklist Look for this starting mid-March 2020. Once you’ve been accepted and completed a FAFSA, you will see your award by mail and Western email. Included will be the Financial Aid Checklist containing important instructions: how to accept full or partial loan amounts, complete entrance counseling and loan agreements.
7. Common Scholarship Application Deadline: April 1, 2020. Looking for more aid? You can apply for many scholarships via Western’s Common Scholarship Application. To browse and apply for scholarships, visit western.edu/common-scholarships. Note: For information about all Western scholarships, visit western.edu/scholarships.
9. Receive Statement of Charges
8. Submit Tuition & Housing Deposits Join the Mountaineer family. Pay your tuition and housing deposits to lock in your place at Western. Class registration opens May 1, 2020. Your tuition deposit must be submitted to take the registration survey, which is the key to building your first class schedule. Western’s housing survey becomes available in March; submit your housing deposit by then to select your roommate and housing.
A first look at your actual charges. You’ll receive your statement of charges in the mail or view it via MyWestern in early July. Take time to read carefully. Don’t be alarmed when scholarships, grants and loans aren’t applied right away; they disburse Aug. 14, 2020.
10. Tuition Payment Due Deadline: Aug. 24, 2020. After your aid disburses, you can pay your bill in full or set up monthly payments throughout the semester. Pay or set up a payment plan via your MyWestern account or by calling, emailing or visiting the Cashier’s Office: 970.943.3003 | cashier@western.edu | Taylor Hall 314
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DIRECT COSTS FOR FALL/SPRING 2019-20 IN-STATE
OUT-OF-STATE
TUITION
$6,624*
$18,096
DOUBLE ROOM
$5,030
$5,030
BOARD (15-MEAL/ WEEK PLAN)
$4,674
$4,674
REQUIRED FEES
$3,812.84
$3,812.84
OPTIONAL FEES
$250
$250
TOTAL ANNUAL COST
$20,390.84
$31,862.84
*Reflects that the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend has been applied. Register for COF at cof.college-assist.org. Visit western.edu/finaid for more information.
MERIT AID western.edu/cost
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS: Immediately upon acceptance at Western, each student is considered for a merit scholarship based on GPA and ACT/SAT scores. Merit aid cannot be combined with tuition discount programs. To determine whether you qualify for a merit scholarship, visit western.edu/cost.
DISCOUNT PROGRAMS Under the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Central Plains (CP) programs, students from certain states pay just 150 percent of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2019-20, the discount is valued at $4,335. Students from neighboring states who demonstrate financial need are considered for an extra $1,000 per year grant, assessed annually.
TYPES OF AID western.edu/aid
SCHOLARSHIPS: Money awarded based on academic or other achievements (e.g., merit, program based, athletic).
GRANTS: Aid based on financial need that doesn’t need to be repaid. FEDERAL/STATE WORK-STUDY: Provides funding for students with financial need, allowing them to work on campus.
LOANS: Borrowed money that must be paid back. A Subsidized Loan is based on financial need; the federal government pays the interest while the borrower is in school. Interest on an Unsubsidized Loan is the student’s responsibility from day one. A Parent PLUS Loan is an additional option that requires a separate application and credit check.
= NEIGHBORING STATES = WUE = CP
FAFSA: BEST PRACTICES Submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) kicks off the financial aid process. General instructions on what to do with FAFSA are found on page 11. Consider the following tips to make the application process go more smoothly.
COMPLETE BY PRIORITY DEADLINE
CORRECTLY CLAIM DEPENDENCY
Most federal aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting by March 1, 2020, ensures your best award package.
Most students under 24 are considered dependent and require their parents’ financial info.
VISIT PROPER WEBSITE
HAVE TAX INFO
Be suspicious of websites that require payment. You never have to pay to complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov.
To complete FAFSA in one sitting, have student and parent tax info at your elbow. Use the IRS Data Retrieval tool for ease in transferring financials.
CREATE FSA IDS–PLURAL Students and parents must create separate FSA IDs. Don’t share these FSA IDs with anyone.
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PROPERLY SIGN AND SUBMIT Your FAFSA will be rejected unless both student and parent sign then submit.
Taylor Cull
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Randall Gee
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Adjusting to College We’re committed to offering the guidance you need to succeed, that’s why we have multiple layers of support for our students.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE: • Counseling Center • Leadership, Engagement and Development (LEAD) Office • Medical Clinic • Multicultural Center (MCC) Randall Gee
• Sources of Strength • Student Affairs • Student Health & Wellness Office • The SWEET Life • Veteran Benefits • Westerners in Transition (WIT)
EPIC MENTORSHIP PROGRAM Making the transition to college can be a confusing one. That’s why we pair every incoming student with an Experienced Peer Initiating Connections (EPIC) Mentor to guide them through summer and their first year at Western. EPIC Mentors are upperclassmen who empower you with the resources you need to connect with campus and the Gunnison community. Once you’re off and running, your EPIC Mentor will be there to answer any questions you have and to connect you with any resources you may need.
Taylor Cull
Visit western.edu/epic to learn more!
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Randall Gee
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Academic Resources Honors Program Math Tutoring Supplemental Instruction Writing Center
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER Randall Gee
• Academic Advising • Disability Services • Exploratory Program (for undeclared students) • International Student Services • Peer Academic Leaders
CAREER SERVICES We’re here to help you craft your next adventure. We offer career preparation resources, individual and group career advising, alumni and employer networking and tools to help you understand yourself and the contributions you can make in society. As a Mountaineer, you have access to Handshake, an online hub for making appointments with Career Services and for finding jobs and internships.
PREPARE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL WORLD • Career and internship fairs • Career and internship search support • Mock interviews • Professional development programming • Resume and cover letter reviews Randall Gee
• Career Closet GO.WESTERN.EDU
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Be Yourself Our students are comfortable being themselves on and off campus. They’re artists, athletes, musicians, ranchers and environmentalists. They come from cities, suburbs and small towns. Some prefer spending their weekends outside; others enjoy the indoors. Together, they make up the supportive and inclusive Western community. Here, you’re free to explore and try new things—both in and outside of the classroom. It’s a safe place to fail, learn from mistakes and grow.
MULTICULTURAL CENTER The Multicultural Center supports Western students while celebrating the diversity of people in and around Gunnison. It’s home to Amigos, Black Student Alliance, Native American Student Council, Polynesian Chant and Dance Club, and Asian Pacific Islanders Club. “Students come between classes, before classes, for five minutes and for hours,” says Sally Romero, director of Multicultural Affairs. “They eat, relax and catch up with each other. It’s a family atmosphere, as well as a support system.”
RESOURCES INCLUDE: • Academic support • Counseling • Extracurricular support • Mentoring • Peer support 18
Roberta Marquette-Strain
• Leadership training
Jorge Zarate “I want to be a voice for the students who didn’t come here just for the outdoors,” said Jorge Zarate ’19, who studied Business Administration with an emphasis in Management. Jorge’s orientation leaders inspired him to join the Multicultural Center (MCC) his freshman year, and his passion for involvement led him to join the Student Government Association and the Center for Adult and Family Education as well.
Taylor Cull
“The MCC has taught me how to become a leader,” he said. “I want to show other students how to dive in … because that sense of being needed is going to get you out of your room and into the Western experience.”
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Tanner Whiteford “I skied my first 14er the spring of my freshman year,” Tanner Whiteford ’18 said. “I remember sitting at the top and thinking ‘this is what I want.’”
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I skied my first 14er the spring of my freshman year. I remember sitting at the top and thinking ‘this is what I want.’
Tanner, who has skied every month for the past three years, finds that his obsession with the outdoors helps reinforce the principles of being a good student.
Tanner competed on the Mountain Sports Mountain Bike Team, instructed for Wilderness Pursuits and was the Red Bull Student Brand Manager—in addition to earning a B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing.
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Eric Phillips
“Everything is a process in the backcountry. I need to prepare and constantly assess the situation before I execute,” he said. “The same goes with preparing for a test or project.”
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I used to be very insecure, but I want to always keep growing ... I’ve become involved in a lot of things that I couldn’t have at a larger school.
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Roberta Marquette-Strain “I’ve never been into skiing or ski culture,” Roberta Marquette-Strain ’19 said. Instead, Roberta—a self-proclaimed introvert— has found an outlet in performing and writing. “I used to be very insecure, but I want to always keep growing,” she said. “I’ve become involved in a lot of things that I couldn’t have at a larger school.”
Taylor Cull
Roberta wrote for the Top o’ the World student newspaper and the Gunnison Country Times, sang in the choir and starred in Western’s improv troupe— all while earning a B.A. in English.
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At Home on Campus
As part of the underclassmen two-year live-on requirement, firstyear students go through the “First Year Experience,” which focuses on community building and skills such as effective leadership, stress and time management, self-care, financial literacy, inclusion, nutrition, asking for help, self-awareness, critical thinking, decision -making and more.
Taylor Cull
When you leave for college, your residence hall becomes your home away from home. Our Residence Life team works hard to ensure your transition goes smoothly. Your roommate and neighbors can provide a strong support system during your college years and may even become lifelong friends.
Second-year students will continue through the “Second Year Experience,” which focuses on increasing students’ campus, community and cultural connections—as well as engaging students in leadership and personal development opportunities.
RESIDENCE HALLS: TRADITIONAL HALLS | Community bathrooms, required meal plan • Ute Hall: First year hall, double occupancy • Escalante Complex (Colorado, Crystal, Dolores, Tomichi Halls): First year halls, double occupancy SUITE-STYLE HALLS | Personal bathroom, shared kitchen, required meal plan • Mears Complex (Mears, Moffat, Robidoux Halls): Up to four people in a suite sharing one bathroom APARTMENTS | Full kitchens, personal bathroom • Pinnacles Apartments: Mostly four-bedroom apartments
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Randall Gee
• Chipeta Apartments: One- and two-bedroom apartments
Randall Gee
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“
Gunnison is a perfect location for me. I love being in the mountains in a small town surrounded by amazing trails to explore.
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Maddie Hart Already familiar with the Gunnison Valley thanks to Crested Butte ski trips as a child, Hart chose Western for two reasons: a progressive Environment & Sustainability major and America’s only collegiate trail running team. At Western, Hart can express her zeal for the environment both academically and athletically. Through classwork (and fieldwork and lab work), she is preparing for a career to help fix global environmental issues. On the mountain trails, running has taken her to unforgettable heights– both literal and figurative.
Taylor Cull
“Gunnison is a perfect location for me,” she said. “I love being in the mountains in a small town surrounded by amazing trails to explore.”
NCAA DIVISION II gomountaineers.com MEN’S • Basketball • Cross Country • Football • Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) • Wrestling
MOUNTAIN SPORTS western.edu/mountainsports • Alpine Skiing • Climbing • Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding • Freestyle Skiing & Snowboarding • Mountain Biking • Nordic Skiing • Road Cycling
WOMEN’S • Basketball • Cross Country • Soccer • Swimming & Diving • Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) • Volleyball
• Ski Mountaineering • Trail Running
CLUB SPORTS western.edu/clubsports
INTRAMURAL SPORTS western.edu/intramuralsports
COED • Cheerleading
Josh Addison
VARSITY • Esports GO.WESTERN.EDU
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Get Involved 26
CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS western.edu/clubs • Anthropology Club
• Organics Guild
• Art League
• Pathfinder Magazine
• Association for Students of Exercise & Sport Science
• Peak Productions
• Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Club
• Pre-Health Club
• Band/Orchestra
• Program Council
• Chemistry Club
• Psychology Club
• Choir
• Real Talk
• Christian Challenge
• She-Jumps
• Circle K International (student service club)
• Sociology Club
• Climbing Club • Dance Team • Ebb & Flow • Fellowship of Christian Athletes
• Politics Club
• Sources of Strength • Spectrum (GayStraight Alliance) • Student Government Association • Sustainability Coalition
• Fighting for Futures
• The SWEET Life
• Future Educators of America • Gamers Guild
• Top o’ the World (student newspaper)
• Geology Club
• Urban Gaming
• Gunnison Sockeyes
• Veteran’s Club
• History League
• West Elk Wranglers
• ICE (Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship) Club
• Western Association of Professional Landmen
• KWSB Radio
• Whitewater Club
• Love Your Melon
• Wilderness Pursuits
• Mana Nigame Video Game Club
• Wildlife Society
• Meditation Group
• Wordhorde (poetry troupe)
• Model United Nations
• Young Life
Randall Gee
• Mountain Rescue Team • Mountaineer Media
MULTICULTURAL CENTER
• Mountaineers Disc Golf Club
• Amigos
• Music–Instrumentals
• Asian Pacific Islanders Club
• Music–Ensemble
• Black Student Alliance
• National Association for Music Education
• Native American Student Council
• Newman Club
• Polynesian Chant & Dance Club GO.WESTERN.EDU
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Jeremy Wallace
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ON CAMPUS Many clubs and organizations offer ways for students to get involved in the campus community and develop leadership skills.
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (ALPS) ALPS provides both tuition support and guidance for first- and second-year Western students. The program encourages service-based learning. The first-year experience for an ALPS student focuses on participation. For incoming freshmen, opportunities presented at biweekly ALPS meetings forge connections between academics and community activities. The second year of ALPS blends these service activities with leadership training.
Randall Gee
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) The SGA aims to serve the student body in the best way possible and to include all students in decisions that shape campus policies.
WILDERNESS PURSUITS (WP) Learn a new outdoor activity, advance your skill level, embark on a weeklong adventure and enjoy affordable gear rentals through WP.
BEYOND CAMPUS Our students take advantage of leadership and growth opportunities outside of the Gunnison Valley, too.
Courtesy of the Honors Program
As one of LendEDU’s “Top 50 Colleges for Study Abroad Programs,” Western values a global perspective and encourages students to study abroad. We’ve had students travel to France, Argentina, Spain, the United Kingdom and more. When students select a study-abroad program with one of our affiliate providers, transfer credit is guaranteed and can fulfill major and minor requirements. Students may also have access to financial aid received through Western.
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Give Back The Gunnison, Crested Butte and Western communities are teeming with opportunities for you to get involved. No matter what your interests are, there is a place for you to lend a helping hand and gain valuable experience. Students volunteer in a variety of roles in addition to working and interning with various organizations. Get settled, study hard and branch out. You’ll find the Gunnison Valley to be bigger than you thought.
SUSTAINABILITY Western is constantly in pursuit of solutions to complex sustainability issues. We’ve even committed to making campus zero waste. Students are a major force in this pursuit. SUSTAINABILITY COORDINATORS | In this work-study position, students increase sustainability awareness and inspire behavior change through leadership, education and action. SUSTAINABILITY COALITION | This student-run organization maintains sustainability on campus by providing others with direction and resources, and educating the community. ORGANICS GUILD | This student-run organization maintains Chipeta Garden and Pinnacles Greenhouse on campus. SUSTAINABILITY FUND COMMITTEE SUPPORTS STUDENT PROJECTS THAT: • Support Western’s use of more sustainable and renewable energy • Reduce unnecessary consumption of goods • Increase reuse of useable goods and recycling of materials • Promote the ethical stewardship of all resources and land on Western’s campus 4 GOLD, 3 SILVER LEADERSHIP IN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (LEED) BUILDINGS
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Taylor Cull
Quigley Hall | Silver Certified 2018
Miriam Olvera Miriam volunteers with several clubs through the Multicultural Center. Activities range from hosting community events to highway cleanup to reading stories to children at the local daycare center. Last year on Día de los Muertos, Miriam and the Amigos club invited Gunnison’s middle and high schools to visit campus.
Taylor Cull
Ross Cooperthwaite
“We have them come in, and we give them a little background on the holiday. We do sugar skull painting and flower making,” Miriam said.
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KRISTA CHAVEZ | STUDENT
Taylor Cull
Major | Biology; Pre-Med/Cell & Molecular emphasis (Honors Program)
Krista of Taos, New Mexico, always knew she wanted to go into the medical field but was surprised to find how much she enjoys the Biology program at Western. “Western has helped me excel because I got to know my professors on a personal level and I’m comfortable asking them for help,” she said. Her active involvement outside of class continues to help her feel supported.
KAILUM WILLMORE | STUDENT Major | Sociology; Criminal Justice emphasis
Taylor Cull
Kailum arrived at Western uncertain of what he wanted to study. That changed once he took his first Sociology class. “It really spoke to me,” Kailum said. “I’ve always had a sense of altruism and I feel as if with my Criminal Justice emphasis, I’ll be able to help others.”
JESSICA CUSICK | STUDENT Double Major | Communication Arts and Business Administration
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Taylor Cull
Jessica is a standout member of the women’s track and cross country teams and serves on the Student Government Association. She has used her time here to hone her athletic and academic skills, as well as to create friendships that will last a lifetime. “I have become a stronger runner and a better person through all of my relationships, programs and learning opportunities.”
AUSTIN EKELER ’18
Greg Ronlov, L.A. Chargers
Alumnus | Business Administration; Energy Management emphasis
In addition to setting records on the field, Austin was also a three-time Academic All-American. In 2017, he won a roster spot with the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers. In Spring 2018, he returned to campus to finish his degree. “It was rare that I walked into the business building and saw an unfamiliar face. Class didn’t even feel like class. It felt more like ‘group learning’—let’s discuss things,” he said.
KATE ROBINSON ’07
Carley Clegg
Today, Kate is the network engineer for the Energy Sciences Network at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. When she arrived at Western, she didn’t even own a computer. The combination of practical experience she gained from her workstudy job in IT plus her education at Western has helped her throughout her career. “Seeing the practical application of what you learn in the classroom really gives you a boost when you enter the work world,” she said.
RICHARD BUCHANAN ’13 Alumnus | Art History
Courtesy of Richard Buchanan
Taylor Cull
Alumna | Computer Science
Richard always knew he wanted to pursue a career in art. He now lives in New York and his works are displayed in public collections in New York City and Austria. “When I graduated I had a network of the brightest, most resourceful and determined people I will ever meet. This network extends all the way to New York and got me where I am today,” he said. GO.WESTERN.EDU
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Apply Now FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN APPLICATION Visit western.edu/apply. 1. Complete and submit Western’s Online Application or the Common Application. 2. Send your official high school transcript to Western. Randall Gee
3. Send your official ACT and/or SAT scores to Western. 4. Submit the $30 application fee.* Western accepts Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and concurrent/ dual enrollment credits.
APPLICATION DEADLINES Western is on a rolling admission cycle. We accept applications throughout the year until our class is full. Typically, you will receive your admission decision 2-3 weeks after we have received all of your application materials. We recommend students apply and submit their FAFSA before March 1 for the following fall semester for maximum scholarship consideration.
CONTACT FINANCIAL AID
TRANSFER APPLICATION Visit western.edu/apply. 1. Complete and submit Western’s Online Application. 2. Send all official college transcripts to Western. 3. If you have less than 24 credit hours completed at the time of application, you must send your official high school transcript and your official ACT and/or SAT test scores to Western. Dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment and AP/IB credits taken during high school are not counted in the credit hour total. 4. Submit the $30 application fee.* *Fee waivers from the ACT, SAT or counselor statements are acceptable.
Our friendly Financial Aid staff is always happy to take your questions. finaid@western.edu 970.943.3085
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If you’re accepted by Nov. 1, 2019—and are eligible for merit aid—you’ll receive an additional $500 your first year.
PREVIEW DAYS Visit campus for Preview Days and get a taste of the Mountaineer life. You’ll connect with current students, meet with professors, explore campus and more. Find the details at: western.edu/preview
2019-20 PREVIEW DAYS FALL 2019
Friday, Oct. 18, 2019 Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019
SPRING 2020
Friday, March 6, 2020 Saturday, March 28, 2020
CAN’T MAKE A PREVIEW DAY? Visit us for a campus tour and the opportunity to meet with a professor. Tours run MondayFriday at 10:30 a.m. and by appointment on Saturdays.
CAMPUS VISITS
western.edu/visit visit@western.edu 970.943.7083
ADMISSIONS
Randall Gee
go.western.edu admissions@western.edu 970.943.2119
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Discover Yourself. Cover: Eric Phillips Back: Carley Clegg 2019-20
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