elevating value. western.edu
From the President … 3 Continued Growth … 4-5 Achievements & Awards … 6-7 School of Business Highlights … 8 Office of Career Success Supports Students … 9 Honors Program Offerings … 10-11 Quigley Renovation Underway … 12-13 Graduate Programs Progress … 14-15 Athletics Adds Honors … 16-17 Spreading the Word … 18-19
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2700 +
17
Student Enrollment
Average Class Size
75 +
Academic Programs
FROM THE PRESIDENT Dr. GregORY B. Salsbury President, Western State Colorado University
Another successful year has passed for Western, despite the fact that higher education in this country is in a crisis. There is some debate about how much the actual cost of college has increased in the last few decades, but what is not disputed is that it has in fact risen significantly and at a much faster rate than the income and wealth of the middle class. Student loan debt has surpassed $1.3 trillion, and just in the time it takes to read this letter it will have increased another $6 million-plus. As the recent Great Recession continues to ravage the savings and retirements of middle-income Americans, students and their families are becoming more sensitive to the cost and quality of the universities they choose to attend. They are beginning to re-examine very closely exactly what they are getting for the higher education dollar. This added scrutiny bodes well for Western — one of the very few true values remaining in higher education. We offer eight of the ten most popular majors in the country and quite a few more. Some 96 percent of our classes are taught by full-time faculty, not teaching assistants or part-timers. The vast majority, 87 percent, of these faculty have the highest degrees possible in their disciplines. And our rare 17:1 student-teacher ratio allows for superior, individualized instruction. We offer all of this at a cost that is surprisingly low not only to Coloradans but to out-of-state residents as well. The quality piece of Western’s value is apparent all over campus. Western students graduate ready to enter the workforce or continue on to graduate school due to the rigor of classroom instruction and the unending support they receive along the way. Student retention was not only up again this year, but it is higher than our peer group schools. This is thanks in part to a host of exceptional programs aimed at keeping students engaged and challenged throughout their educational careers.
Western’s affordable cost enhances the value here in a number of ways. Fewer of our students require student loans. Those who do take out loans graduate with less debt than the national average, meaning that their monthly loan repayments are much more manageable, leading to low default rates. Further, our low cost leaves more of our graduates able to afford graduate school. And our efforts to improve never cease. Last December, the university unveiled its Strategic Plan for the next three years. The plan highlights five goals, led by the objective of increased enrollment. Driving this initiative are marketing and advancement efforts (see Page 18), concurrent enrollment programming, expanding the School of Business (see Page 8), increasing student diversity, increasing enrollment of international students and expanding graduate programs (see Page 14). It is clear that prospective students and their families are beginning to realize the Western value. We have increased our enrollment year over year for the past four years, while nationally during the same time period, enrollment has decreased. And if the number of applications currently submitted for 2016-17 is any indication, Fall 2016 will begin another year of growth for Western. Ultimately, all of our efforts are motivated by the desire to provide all Mountaineers with a well-rounded liberal arts educational experience. The following pages demonstrate how we are doing just that. The future looks bright, and I’m excited to share our continued successes as we move forward in 2016.
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The Secret Is Out Western is Colorado’s best-kept secret in higher education — but the secret is getting out. Bucking state-wide trends, Western has grown enrollment both in terms of headcount and Full Time Equivalency for the fourth year in a row. Our average student loan debt is not only dramatically below the national average, but also below state average. With one of the lowest tuitions in the State of Colorado, our tuition rate prepares graduates for better futures by not overloading them with debt. Additionally, 100 percent of students admitted to Western are considered for scholarships.
WESTERN’S VALUE
42% $3,566
96% 4 | western.edu
below the national average student loan default rate.
lower than the average national tuition.
of classes taught by full-time faculty.
Enrollment Growth — Again 2,800
2015-16
2,600
2014-15 2013-14
2,400
2012-13 2011-12
2,200 2,000 Overall Headcount
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A year of Achievements
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Awards for Excellence Top 100 Colleges in the West for the third year in a row.
Top 5 in the U.S. Advocating Environment & Sustainability.
Top Green Colleges for two years in a row.
Western continued to add to its accolades and academic achievements in 2015. Here are just a few examples of our successes.
Top 5 in the U.S. for access to Physical Wellness.
Most Beautiful College Campuses in Rural Areas.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
PRE-MEDICINE
CREATIVE WRITING
95 percent of Western Computer Science graduates are professionally employed as computer scientists. Recent job placements include: AdColony, Amazon, NDP Software, Ballantine Communications, USA Triathlon, Lockheed Martin, TransUnion, FedEx and Ruffalo Noel Levitz.
91 percent of students who complete pre-medical studies at Western are accepted to graduate medical programs. Alumna Shannon Shaw is a student in the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine’s highly-competetive Post-Baccalaureate program. She was one of only four students admitted into the program for her cohort.
During 2015, Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing faculty have produced or have under contract 13 novels, 3 volumes of poetry, 3 volumes of creative non-fiction and 15 film and TV screenplays. They have served as publishers for 8 books and journal issues and delivered over 50 readings and presentations.
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developing professionals in the school of business Business majors at Western are primed to enter the job market with the skills and resources necessary for success. Students build professional lasting relationships — both on and off campus.
major emphases Accounting business administration economics Entrepreneurship Latin American Business Management Marketing Professional Land & Resource Management Resort Management
22 Business School graduates have gone on to become corporate CEOs.
87% of faculty have the highest degrees in their fields.
Making it Big: Ryan Payne After receiving his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Western in 2014 followed by his master’s in accounting from the College of William & Mary, Ryan Payne landed a coveted position with Deloitte, one of the big four accounting firms, where he is currently an Audit Assistant. Ryan is currently serving the greater Washington, D.C., Richmond and Baltimore areas in the financial banking and investment market, as well as the aerospace and defense sectors. Ryan transferred to Western from West Los Angeles Community College in the spring of 2012. While at Western, Ryan was a member of the football team and boxing club.
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New recruiters are coming to campus all year long.
LAUNCHING CAREERS AT WESTERN OFFICE OF CAREER SUCCESS STEPS to employment
CHELSEA DALPORTO-MCDOWELL DIRECTOR OF CAREER SUCCESS
Thanks to the generous donation of Steven Borick and the Louis L. Borick Foundation, the School of Business has created the Office of Career Success, led by Director of Career Success Chelsea Dalporto-McDowell.
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Professional development matched with student values. Resume and cover letter refinement. Development of interviewing skills. Facilitation of internships and job placements.
Program Goals
Chelsea spends time working with students and networking with industry professionals to help connect students with employers. Throughout the Fall Semester, potential employers came to campus to present guest lectures, meet students, and interview for open positions.
Strengthen existing relationships and cultivate new contacts with potential employers.
“We’re moving and shaking, and our first year has gone beyond our expectations,” Chelsea said. “It’s a remarkable step forward to have a center focused exclusively on career success, which brings a new emphasis on student employment and the after-graduation experience.”
Increase starting salaries of graduates. Sharpen business skills of students.
Recent Career Placements
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academic rigor Providing an Honors Program is the most effective retention tool for four-year public institutions, according to a 2015 study by Ruffalo Noel Levitz — and the Western experience supports this. The Honors Program at Western is not only beneficial to the students within the program, but it also elevates the campus experience for the entire student body.
ACTIVE HONORs STUDENTS
campus benefits
150
Pairs education with international travel opportunities.
100
Promotes undergraduate research projects. Offers customized courses relevant to current events.
150
50 30
Sponsors campus speakers to encourage student dialogue.
25 0
2012-13
2015-16
“Honors has an academic component, but it has a community component as well. A big part of the program is getting smart, high-energy people together and seeing what comes out of that. We’re really pushing a much greater level of achievement for students, which benefits the entire community through the activities that Honors promotes.” Western Honors students participate in the Model U.N. in New York City, during which students simulate U.N. delegations, deliver speeches and draft resolutions on international issues.
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- Dr. Dan Cress, Director of Honors
Program Entry Requirements
3.5 GPA 25 ACT
the cream of the crop Western’s Honors Program is unique in the State of Colorado in that courses are created through student input. Faculty and students consult together to create curriculum customized for each student.
honors studentS lead In recent years, the Honors Program at Western has seen significant growth. Dr. Dan Cress, Director of Honors at Western, attributes this not only to the dedication of students in the program but also to the introduction of Honors student housing options on campus. The number of students actively participating in the program has increased fivefold in the last three years. The program is governed by a Student Advisory Committee, where student representatives designate course topics, plan field trips, and organize community, service and social events.
students Visited Prague after taking a course on the city’s culture and history. The trip was organized by the Honors Program, but was open to all students.
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Quigley reimagined 12 | western.edu
Keeping facilities cutting-edge Since 2007, Western’s administration has sought state funding to renovate Quigley Hall, home to the Art and Music Departments. In 2015, those efforts finally paid off.
Thanks to $25.7 million from the State of Colorado, Quigley Hall is finally receiving a facelift. Built in 1967, Quigley Hall is one of the last academic facilities on campus to receive a modern upgrade. Though the building’s footprint and exterior will remain largely unchanged, the inside of the building will be transformed.
building amenities
2nd story 8,000 addition to existing building.
square feet added.
Improved ventilation for art spaces. Improved soundproofing for music rooms. New gallery space. Additional art displays in entryway. Wraparound balcony and expanded stage in Recital Hall.
Institutional Advantage Provides dynamic new concert hall for dramatic and musical performances. Facilitates new graduate program, Master in Gallery Management & Exhibits Specialization. Increases gallery space to showcase student work.
to learn more please visit: western.edu/quigley
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GRADUATE Leaders Graduate programs at Western have blossomed since they were reinstated in 2010. At that point, Western offered a master’s program in Education, as well as Master of Fine Arts degrees in Creative Writing.
Enrollment has more than doubled and program offerings have increased significantly in the past five years.
WESTERN Graduate PROGRAMs Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, with emphases in: · Genre Fiction · Poetry with an Emphasis in Versecraft · Screenwriting for Film & Television Master of Arts in Creative Writing, with emphases in: · Genre Fiction · Poetry with an Emphasis in Versecraft · Screenwriting for Film & Television Graduate Certificate in Publishing Master of Arts in Education, with endorsements in: · K-12 Education · Secondary Education · Secondary English Education Master of Arts in Education, with emphases in: · Elementary Education · Special Education Generalist · Educator Effectiveness · K-12 Online Teacher Leadership · Reading Leadership · Teacher Leadership · Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Leadership · Educational Administration Master in Gallery Management and Exhibits Specialization Master of Science in High Altitude Exercise Physiology Master in Environmental Management, with emphases in: · Integrative Land Management · Sustainable & Resilient Communities
graduate enrollment 240
250 200 150 110
100 50 0
2010-11
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2015-16
increase in program offerings in the past five years.
Master in Environmental Management Students are working on projects in
Nigeria, applying systems thinking and reliance theories. Kenya, partnering with Eco2librium to offset carbon emissions. Alberta, creating a coordinated food system called “Food Charter.” Arkansas, studying use of conservation areas in Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Costa Rica, applying sustainability, permaculture and ecotourism. Oregon, assessing soil for community wildfire protection in Granite.
MEM Partnerships Peace Corps Master’s International. AmeriCorps VISTA.
From Vision to Reality: Dr. Abel Chavez Dr. Abel Chavez wasn’t necessarily hunting for a job when his wife found the posting for a coordinator for the Sustainable & Resilient Communities track of Western’s Master in Environmental Management program. But the position intrigued him, and after speaking with Dr. John Hausdoerffer, the Director of MEM, about the program, he was sold. “As coordinator-slash-director of the Sustainable & Resilient Communities program, I was given the keys to this track that Dr. Hausdoerffer originally created, and he gave me his full trust to really build it out,” Dr. Chavez explained. “Since then, we’ve transformed it from a simple idea and vision to now we’re working with communities across the Western Slope and the world.”
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Mountaineers CHARGE AHEAD
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A Legacy of Accomplishments Since 1934, Western has produced
956 NCAA All-American Athletes. The following honors were added in 2015:
83 RMAC All-Academic Awards. 43 DII ADA Academic Achievement Awards. 2 RMAC Brechler Awards for top team GPAs in the RMAC. 4 Academic All-American Award recipients. 5 Academic All-District Awards recipients. 1 Elite 89 Award winner. SETTING NEW RECORDS
Alpine Skiing Returns Western alpine ski racers took to the slopes during the 2014-15 season as a club team under the purview of the Mountain Sports Team. The team looks to continue the Western alpine tradition and build their success in coming months. Western skiers, led by coach Ciera Freson, compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference of the United States Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association.
The 2015-16 indoor track season has been an exciting one for Western. Noah Zorsky, a junior pole vaulter from Amarillo, Texas, recently won the Mountaineer Shootout pole vault competition with a nation-leading jump of 5.20 meters (17 他 feet). He broke the school and fieldhouse records and took the lead in Division II as the only DII athlete to break the 17-foot mark this season. In his first meet of the season, he cleared 5.15 meters, which broke the school record and automatically qualified Noah for the NCAA Indoor Nationals.
to learn more please visit: gomountaineers.com
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The NEW Western Welcome Center
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spreading the word
APPLications started 2,872
3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500
LARGEST FALL PREVIEW DAY YET
315
1,000
guests
RECRUITing EMAILS SENT
500 0
6,000,000
6,000,000
1,476
5,500,000
Sep-dec 2015
Sep-dec 2016
5,000,000 4,500,000 4,000,000 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000,000
750,000
500,000
New Western Webcam
0
2014-15
2015-16
New Athletic Bus
NEW Recruiting vehicles
community ice rink zamboni western.edu | 19
Western State Colorado University 600 North Adams Street Gunnison, CO 81231
800.876.5309
western.edu