Western Viewbook 2018

WESTERN VIEWBOOK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 LEARNING ELEVATED

18 CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

6 EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

21 LEADERSHIP & STUDY ABROAD

9 CAREER & SUPPORT SERVICES

22 SUSTAINABILITY & VOLUNTEERING

10 BE YOURSELF

24 MEET OUR MOUNTAINEERS

14 CAMPUS COMMUNITY

26 APPLY NOW

16 ATHLETICS

27 PLAN A VISIT

Follow us on social media to explore our beautiful campus, find out about upcoming events, connect with fellow Mountaineers and celebrate all the reasons students choose to #GoWestern.

Facebook.com/WesternStateColoradoUniversity

@WesternStateColoradoUniversity | @WesternMadJack

@WesternColoU

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Greg Smith

Youtube.com/WSCUniversity

LOCATION | GUNNISON, CO

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STUDENT BODY | 2,9OO 4

Taylor Cull

LEARNING ELEVATED

BACHELOR OF ARTS

POLITICS & GOVERNMENT MAJOR & MINOR

ANTHROPOLOGY— MAJOR & MINOR

• Global Studies

ART—MAJOR & MINOR

• Secondary Licensure

• Art History & Theory • Graphic Design • K-12 Licensure • Studio Art COMMUNICATION ARTS— MAJOR & MINOR • Communication (standard) • Film Studies • Strategic Communication • Theatre & Performance Studies • Film (minor) • Public Relations (minor) • Theatre (minor) ENGLISH—MAJOR & MINOR • Creative Writing • Secondary Licensure ELEMENTARY EDUCATION—MAJOR • Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education

• Pre-Law

PSYCHOLOGY— MAJOR & MINOR • Clinical, Counseling & School Psychology

• Painting • Printmaking • Sculpture

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE BIOLOGY—MAJOR & MINOR

• Experimental

• Environmental Biology & Ecology

• General Psychology

• General Biology

RECREATION & OUTDOOR EDUCATION— MAJOR & MINOR • Outdoor Environmental Education • Outdoor Leadership • Recreation Management SOCIOLOGY— MAJOR & MINOR • Criminal Justice SPANISH—MAJOR & MINOR • K-12 Licensure SCHOOL OF BUSINESS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION— MAJOR & MINOR • Energy Management

• Pre-Med/Cell & Molecular • Pre-Nursing • Secondary Licensure • Wildlife & Conservation CHEMISTRY— MAJOR & MINOR • Biochemistry • Secondary Licensure COMPUTER SCIENCE— MAJOR & MINOR • Computer Science (comprehensive) • Information Security EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE— MAJOR & MINOR • Exercise & Sport Science (standard) • Clinical Exercise Science

• Individualized Contract

• Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship (ICE)

• Water Studies

• Latin American Business

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE—MINOR GEOGRAPHY AND GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS—MINOR HISTORY—MAJOR & MINOR • Public History • Secondary Licensure LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES—MINOR MUSIC—MAJOR & MINOR • Music (comprehensive) • Music Business • K-12 Licensure • Music Technology (minor)

• Management • Marketing • Resort Management

• K-12 Licensure (PE) • Sport & Fitness Management • Sport Psychology (minor) GEOLOGY—MAJOR & MINOR

ACCOUNTING— MAJOR & MINOR

• Environmental Geology • Geoarchaeology

• Financial Analysis

• Geology (comprehensive)

• Professional

• Petroleum Geology

• Secondary Licensure

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS ART—MAJOR

• Secondary Licensure MATHEMATICS— MAJOR & MINOR • Actuarial Science • Secondary Licensure • Data Analytics (minor)

PHILOSOPHY—MINOR

• Ceramics

STUDY ABROAD

PHYSICS—MINOR

• Graphic Design

Gain a global perspective and travel with Western, one of LendEDU’s Top 50 Colleges for Study Abroad Programs.

• Jewelry

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PUBLISHING MASTER IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (MEM) • Global Sustainability • Integrative & Public Land Management • Sustainable & Resilient Communities MASTER IN GALLERY MANAGEMENT & EXHIBITS SPECIALIZATION MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION (WITH OPTIONAL TEACHER OR PRINCIPAL LICENSURE) • Education Administrator Leadership • Educator Effectiveness • K-12 Online Leadership • Reading Leadership • Teacher Leadership

• Health & Fitness

• ICE (minor)

ECONOMICS— MAJOR & MINOR

GRADUATE PROGRAM IN CREATIVE WRITING (MFA OR MA) • Genre Fiction • Poetry with an Emphasis on Versecraft • Screenwriting for Feature Film and Television

• General Chemistry

• Finance

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY— MAJOR & MINOR

GRADUATE

• Photography

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HIGH ALTITUDE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY (HAEP) OUTDOOR INDUSTRY MBA (PENDING ACCREDITATION APPROVAL)

3+2 PROGRAMS Earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees all within five years.

Students take three years of undergraduate courses followed by two years of master’s-level courses.

3+2 HAEP • Exercise & Sport Science 3+2 MEM • Biology, Environment & Sustainability, Politics & Government, Recreation & Outdoor Education, Sociology

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18 STUDENTS | AVERAGE CLASS SIZE 6

Eric Phillips

LEARN

BY DOING

EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION We value experience at Western. Before students graduate, they work in labs, complete internships and contribute meaningful work to professional organizations. Small classes, engaged faculty and strong community relations mean students in all disciplines gain hands-on experience that prepares them for life after college.

ART Students take full advantage of newly renovated Quigley Hall, which features studios and facilities designed for ceramics, graphic design, printmaking and more.

BIOLOGY Students conduct grant-funded research published in peerreviewed journals and present their findings at professional conferences. Our Thornton Biology Research Program ensures students gain plenty of time in the field or lab.

BUSINESS Students can launch their own startups, create marketing plans for real businesses, compete in professional selling competitions and spend an entire semester immersed at Crested Butte Mountain Resort.

CHEMISTRY Students run labs, conduct grant-funded research and attend a variety of professional conferences. They even put on a chemical “magic show� for local elementary students.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE Students develop facial recognition programs and 3D software. Many choose to complete an independent study, which can focus on anything from Python to robotics.

Our students even build autonomous robots under the NASA Colorado Space Grant Consortium.

EDUCATION Students spend their senior year completing a teacher residency in a K-12 classroom of their choice. During the residency year, students benefit from a network of support, receiving continuous feedback from their mentor teacher, regional coordinator and expert Western faculty.

EXERCISE & SPORT SCIENCE Students complete professional, grant-funded research and are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Many also provide Gunnison residents with professional personal training through the Wellness Elevated program.

GEOLOGY Students explore everywhere from Hartman Rocks and the West Elk Mountains to the Black Canyon, Rio Grande and San Juan Mountains.

RECREATION & OUTDOOR EDUCATION (ROE)

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Students spend weeks training in nearby wilderness areas and earn certifications totaling 100 hours before graduation. ROE students often join the Western Mountain Rescue Team and lead introductory courses in backcountry skiing, rock climbing and kayaking.

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER CAREER SERVICES The Office of Career Services supports students in the pursuit of meaningful careers and graduate studies through individual and group advising; campus programming; and engagement among students, employers and alumni. In doing so, Career Services fosters a campus culture around preparing for life after college.

Career Services also brings companies to campus for workshops, recruiting events and information sessions—providing students with opportunities to expand their own professional connections and network with potential employers.

RESOURCES OFFERED BY CAREER SERVICES INCLUDE: • Career and internship fairs • Career and internship search support • Mock interviews • Professional development programming • Resume and cover letter reviews

SUPPORT SERVICES • Academic Advising • Disability Services

Wendy Carol

• Exploratory Program for undeclared students

• LEAD (Leadership, Engagement and Development) • Math Tutoring Center

• Honors Program

• Peer-tutoring

• International Student Services

• Veteran Benefits • Writing Center

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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 AVAILABLE INCLUDE: • Academic support • Counseling • Extracurricular support • Mentoring • Peer support 10

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 is studying Business 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.’”

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.”

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.

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 writes for the Top o’ the World student newspaper and the Gunnison Country Times, sings in the choir and stars 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 • Chipeta Apartments: One- and two-bedroom apartments 14

Randall Gee

• Pinnacles Apartments: Mostly four-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.

LEADING THE PACK 16

NCAA DIVISION II gomountaineers.com MEN’S • Basketball • Cross Country • Football • Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) • Wrestling

MOUNTAIN SPORTS western.edu/mountainsports • Alpine Skiing • Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding • Mountain Biking • Nordic Skiing • Road Cycling • Ski Mountaineering • Trail Running

WOMEN’S • Basketball

CLUB SPORTS

• Cross Country

western.edu/clubsports

• Soccer

INTRAMURAL SPORTS

• Swimming & Diving

western.edu/intramuralsports

• Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) • Volleyball

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

Josh Addison

“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.”

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GET INVOLVED 18

Randall Gee

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS • Anthropology Club • Art League • Association for Students of Exercise & Sport Science • Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Club • Chemistry Club • Christian Challenge • Circle K International (student service club) • Climbing Club • Dance Team • Ebb and Flow • Fellowship of Christian Athletes • Fighting for Futures • Future Educators of America • Gamers Guild • Geology Club • Gunnison Sockeyes • History League • ICE (Innovation, Creativity & Entrepreneurship) Club • KWSB Radio • Love Your Melon • Mana Nigame Video Game Club • Meditation Group • Model United Nations • Mountain Rescue Team • Mountaineer Media • Mountaineers Disc Golf Club • Music–Instrumentals • Music–Ensemble • National Association for Music Education • Newman Club • Organics Guild

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pathfinder Magazine Peak Productions Politics Club Pre-Health Club Program Council Psychology Club Real Talk She-Jumps Sociology Club Spectrum (GayStraight Alliance) Student Government Association Sustainability Coalition The SWEET Life Top o’ the World (student newspaper) Urban Gaming Veteran’s Club West Elk Wranglers Western Association of Professional Landmen Whitewater Club Wilderness Pursuits Wildlife Society Wordhorde (poetry troupe) Young Life

MULTICULTURAL CENTER • • • • •

Amigos Asian Pacific Islanders Club Black Student Alliance Native American Student Council Polynesian Chant and 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 | work-study position in which students increase sustainability awareness and inspire behavior change through leadership, education and action.

SUSTAINABILITY COALITION | this student-led group promotes sustainability on campus by providing others with direction and resources, and educating the community.

ORGANICS GUILD | student-run organization that 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 LEED BUILDINGS 22

Taylor Cull

QUIGLEY HALL | SILVER LEED CERTIFIED 2O18

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.

KATHERINE SPALDING ’15 Alumna | Computer Science

Taylor Ahearn

Katherine landed a competitive programming job with FedEx shortly after graduating with her Computer Science degree. She says the most valuable lesson she learned at Western wasn’t about a specific computer program. In Computer Science, you will never know all of the languages available. “You have to learn how to learn. And I really think I learned how to learn when I was at Western,” Katherine said.

RICHARD BUCHANAN ’13

Courtesy of Richard Buchanan

Alumnus | Art History

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.

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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.

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.

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.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

TUITION AND COST

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.

DIRECT COSTS FOR FALL/SPRING 2018-19 IN-STATE

OUT-OFSTATE

TUITION

$6,624*

$18,096

DOUBLE ROOM

$5,030

$5,030

BOARD (15-MEAL/WEEK PLAN)

$4,605

$4,605

REQUIRED FEES

$3,490.15

$3,490.15

MOUNTAINEER FIELD HOUSE FEE (OPTIONAL)

$200

$200

CONTACT FINANCIAL AID

RENEWABLE ENERGY FEE (OPTIONAL)

$30

$30

Our friendly Financial Aid staff is always happy to take your questions.

SCHOLARLY ACTIVITY FEE (OPTIONAL)

$20

$20

TOTAL ANNUAL COST

$19,999.15

$31,471.15

We recommend students apply and submit their FAFSA before March 1 for the following fall semester for maximum scholarship consideration.

finaid@western.edu 970.943.3085

*Reflects that the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend has been applied.

Colorado residents can register for the COF at cof.college-assist.org.

Go to western.edu/financial-aid to calculate your estimated college cost.

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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

2018-19 PREVIEW DAYS FALL 2018

Friday, October 19, 2018 Saturday, November 10, 2018

SPRING 2019

Friday, March 1, 2019 Saturday, March 30, 2019

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

Taya Olsen

go.western.edu admissions@western.edu 970.943.2119

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Cover: Taylor Cull Back: Katie Lyons 2017-2018

FSC

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2018-19