Western Colorado University Viewbook 2023-24

Our side of the

mountains.

The University of the Western Slope

GUNNISON, COLORADO • ELEVATION: 7,723'

N

WHERE’S CRESTED BUTTE

KEBLER PASS AREA

Gu n Ri niso ve n r

West Elk Wilderness

GUNNISON CURECANTI NATIONAL RECREATION AREA Blue Mesa Reservoir

HARTMAN ROCKS RECREATION AREA

Highlights • Gunnison Whitewater Park (pictured) • Dos Rios Golf Course • Local restaurants and coffee shops •Signal Peak Area

Activities

GUNNISON

•Farmers market •Live music •Mountain biking • Walking and running trails •Shopping

Signal Peak

WESTERN? Taylor Park Taylor Reservoir

lor Tay er Riv

TAYLOR CANYON

COLORAD

O

Gran Junctiodn

Black Cany

on

Telluride Durango

Aspen Crested Butte

Denver Vail Breckenridg e

Gunnison Ouray

Colorado Springs

Monarch Mo

untain

Silver ton Mo

Silverton

Fort Collins Greely

KANSAS

UTAH

Steamboat Springs

untain Grea t Sand

Dunes

Wolf Creek

NEW MEXICO

Highlights •Crested Butte Mountain Resort (pictured) •Center for the Arts •West Elk Wilderness •Wildflower Capital of the U.S.

Activities

CRESTED BUTTE

•Skiing and snowboarding •Mountain biking •Hiking •Camping •SUPing

Learn by

doing.

The Hands-on Learning Experience Western highly values the benefits of hands-on learning. By applying your knowledge to real-world situations, you will develop a better understanding of your coursework while also gaining the critical experience you need to land your first job out of college.

•Mechanical Engineering students partner with the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte to create outdoor solutions for the adaptive community, like building a recumbent mountain bike.

•Wildlife & Conservation Biology students work on several restoration projects including beaver dam analogs, sagebrush/ native plant transplants, and more!

WESTERN.EDU/ACADEMICS

Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and rock formations, Western’s expansive backyard is the perfect place to turn your classroom knowledge into hands-on understanding.

"Being able to get out and gain field experience has helped me build the connection between traditionally learned material and the application of this knowledge to career opportunities. Handson learning at Western has increased my appreciation and enthusiasm for education."

-Tina Schafer M.S. Ecology, Accelerated Program

A place for

everyone.

How Our Students Get Involved There are countless ways to find involvement and success on campus!

•Academic Leadership Program •Career Services •Student Government Association •Music & Theatre Productions •Study Abroad & More

Health & Wellness Your physical and mental well-being are a priority at Western: •On-campus medical clinic and counseling center •On-campus recreation center (Mountaineer Field House) •Peer Health Educators for additional guidance

Find Your Sense of Belonging When you become a Mountaineer, you're paired with an Experienced Peer Initiating Connections (EPIC) Mentor who will help you find your path and place at Western.

Student-Led Organizations With plenty to choose from, joining a club is a great way to connect with other students who share the same interests as you.

•Chemistry Club •Program Council •Spectrum •Whitewater Club & More

Wilderness Pursuits Wilderness Pursuits (WP) provides the resources you need to explore outdoor recreation opportunities the Gunnison Valley and surrounding area has to offer.

No experience required!

•Day trips and multi-day excursions •Gear maintenance clinics •On-campus gear rentals

Multicultural Center Promote cultural awareness and build your community!

•Amigos •Asian Pacific Islanders Club •Black Student Alliance •Native American Student Council •Polynesian Chant and Dance Club

EMPHASIS MINOR MAJOR

EMPHASIS MINOR MAJOR

UR PROGRAM

n n

Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of Arts Accounting

n

Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of Arts Elementary Education

n

Financial Analysis

n

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

n

Professional

n

Global Citizenship

n n

Anthropology

n

n n

Art

Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math

n

Art History & Theory

n

Graphic Design

n

K-12 Licensure

n

Studio Art n

Art - Bachelor of Fine Arts Ceramics

n

Graphic Design

n

Jewelry

n

Painting

n

Photography

n

Printmaking n n

Business Administration Business Analytics

n

n n

Finance

n n

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

n

Latin American Business

n

Management

n

Marketing Resort Management

n n

Sales

n n

Communication Arts

n

Communications

n n

Film Studies Public Relations

n

n

Strategic Communications

n n

Theatre

Climate Action Planning

n

Food Systems

n

Individualized Contract

n

Public Land Management

n

Water Studies

n n

Economics Secondary Licensure

WESTERN.EDU/UNDERGRAD

n n

Environmental Science

n

Geography & Geospatial Analysis

n n

History Public History

n

Secondary Licensure

n n

Latin American Studies

n n

Music

n

K-12 Licensure

n

Music Industry n

Music Technology

n

Philosophy

n n

Politics & Government

n

Global Studies

n n

Pre-Law Secondary Licensure

n n n

Psychology

n n

Recreation & Outdoor Education

n

Outdoor Environmental Education

n

Outdoor Leadership Recreation

n n n

Theatre Secondary Licensure

n

Environment & Sustainability

n

Energy Management

n

Secondary Licensure

n

Business Law

n

n n

Humanities

n

Sculpture

n

English Creative Writing

n n

Web Design & Development

n

n

n

n n

Sociology Criminal Justice

n n n

Spanish K-12 Licensure

n n

Special Education

EMPHASIS MINOR MAJOR

EMPHASIS MINOR MAJOR

Undergraduate Programs Bachelor of Science

Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program Bachelor of Science

Biology

n

Computer Science

n

Environmental Biology & Ecology

n

Mechanical Engineering

n

Fisheries & Aquatic Ecology

n

General Biology

n

Pre-Med/Cell & Molecular

n

Pre-Nursing

n

Pre-Physical Therapy

n

Secondary Licensure

n

Wildlife & Conservation n n

Chemisty

n

Biochemistry

n

General Chemistry

n

Secondary Licensure n n

n

Scientific Computing

n

Software Engineering n

Web Design & Development

n n

Exercise & Sport Science

n

Health & Fitness

n n

K-12 Licensure, Physical Ed

n

Sports & Fitness Management n n n

Environmental Geology Geoarchaeology

n

Petroleum Geology

n

Secondary Licensure in Earth-Space Science Mathematics Actuarial Science

n n

n n n

Community Nutrition

n

Pre-Dietetics n n

Physics Applied Physics/Pre-Engineering

n n n

Psychology

Education

n

Art, Economics, Elementary Education, English, History, Music, Politics & Government or Spanish

n

or Biology, Chemistry, Exercise & Sport Science, Geology or Mathematics

n

Theatre Secondary Licensure Emphasis

n

Exercise & Sport Science

n

Biology or High Altitude Exercise Physiology

n

Master of Behavioral Science

n

Sociology with Community Health Emphasis

n

Master in Environmental Management

n

Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability, History, Politics & Government, Psychology, Recreation & Outdoor Education or Sociology

n

Data Analytics Nutrition Science

or Biology

n

or Biology

n

Secondary Licensure

n

Environment & Sustainability

n

Geology

n

Ecology

n

Sports Psychology

n

n n

English or Environment & Sustainability

n

Clinical Exercise Science

n

Gallery & Museum Management

n

Art History or Public History

n n

n

Accelerated Degree Programs (Bachelor & Masters) Creative Writing

n

Computer Science Information Security

n

WESTERN.EDU/RADY

B.A. B.S. M.F. A. M.S. M.A. M.B.S. M.B.A.

n n

Outdoor Industry Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability or Recreation & Outdoor Education

WESTERN.EDU/ACCELERATED-DEGREES

A taste of Western's

academics.

Conduct your own research projects with access to our top-tier facilities.

Academic Departments •Art •Behavioral & Social Sciences •Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability •Communication Arts, Language, Literature •Education •Math & Computer Science •Music •Natural & Environmental Sciences •Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering •Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science •School of Business

Enhance your learning through fieldwork and find creative inspiration in our backyard of 2+ million acres of public land.

Your Path to Success Although Western is on the smaller side, our students dream big. Our industry connections provide several internship opportunities to help you gain real-life experience. Some of the companies our students have worked and interned for include:

•eBay •Environmental Protection Agency •Lockheed Martin •National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) •Red Bull •Starbucks •The National Park Service •Vail Resorts •Zillow

WESTERN.EDU/ACADEMICS

Explore your passions with over 110 areas of study to choose from!

17

Our industry connections provide several internship opportunities and valuable advice for resume building experience.

Cultivating Leaders in Engineering Earn a Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering degree from University of Colorado Boulder— all on Western's campus.

Learn more at WESTERN.EDU/RADY

STUDENTS

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

Small class sizes create an environment where you can connect with your professors and classmates and receive an education that is personalized to you.

Exploratory

program.

Take Time to Discover Your Interests While Staying on Track for Graduation 1

Your Exploratory Program advisor will help you select a temporary Meta Major in one of these areas: •Arts, Humanities, Communications •Business •Education •Recreation, Exercise Science •Science, Math, Engineering •Social Sciences

2

After taking your Meta Major courses and meeting your general education requirements or earning 30 credits, you should now feel confident to declare a major. The program gives you the essential time you need to decide what you really want to do.

WESTERN.EDU/EXPLORE

Don’t know what you want to major in yet?

Don't stress, starting college undeclared is one of our most common paths.

"The advisors in the Exploratory Program were essential to my development as a student. Their personal connections with their students and within the university empower you to use your resources, advocate for yourself, and find your path at Western."

-Troy Brown Anthropology

Root (or play) for the

home team.

NCAA Division II MEN’S •Basketball •Cross Country •Football •Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) •Wrestling VARSITY •Cheerleading •Esports

WOMEN’S •Basketball •Cross Country •Soccer •Swimming & Diving •Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor) •Volleyball

Club Sports Compete against other colleges and universities from around the state and country with Western Club Sports: MEN'S •Baseball •Hockey •Lacrosse •Rugby

CO-REC •Boxing •Figure Skating •Soccer •Tennis

WOMEN'S •Hockey •Softball •Volleyball

Mountain Sports Take your outdoor passions to the competitive level by joining a Mountain Sports team!

•Alpine Skiing •Climbing •Freeride Skiing & Snowboarding •Mountain Biking •Nordic Skiing •Ski Mountaineering •Trail Running

Intramural Sports Unleash your competitive spirit and build lasting friendships on campus by joining an Intramural Sports team: •Basketball •Outdoor Volleyball •Pickleball •Slow-pitch Softball •Spikeball •& More!

At home on

campus.

The First-Year Experience During your first year at Western, you will either call the Escalante Complex or Ute Hall home. Here, you will only be a short walk from all your classes and will be living in the heart of all the action on campus. Prepare for spontaneous adventures with your friends down the hall, whether its camping trips to Hartman Rocks, or cheering on our football team just up the road.

•Both residence halls feature doubleoccupancy dorm style rooms, meaning you will share your first-year experience with a roommate!

•Our housing survey helps match you with potential roommates based on similar living styles. From here, you can connect further to make sure you find a good fit.

WESTERN.EDU/RESLIFE

Our two-year live-on requirement will help you find community, create lasting memories, stay connected, and ensure your success at Western.

Campus Living Basics On-Campus Dining: The Rare Air Café will be your main hub for food, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

For a quick meal, snack, or coffee, you can visit Mad Jack’s. Mountaineer Marketplace, our free, oncampus food pantry, ensures everyone has access to healthy and nutritious food.

Residence Halls Features: All first-year residence halls require meal plans and feature a community lounge on every floor, a communal laundry room, communal bathrooms, and coed floors.

Second Year & Transfer Housing: Starting your second year as a Western student, your housing options expand to suite-style living and on-campus apartments.

Take the next step,

apply.

Questions?

Contact Admissions admissions@western.edu 970.943.2119

FIRST-YEAR

TRANSFER

1

Complete the application.

Submit via Western's online application or the Common App.

1

Complete the application.

Submit via Western's online application.

2

Send us your official high school transcripts. ACT/SAT scores are optional.

2

Send all official college transcripts to Western.* Transcrips must come directly from the institution granting credit.

3

Submit the $30 application fee. Reach out to admissions to request a fee waiver if needed.

3

Submit the $30 application fee.

Contact us for a fee waiver if needed.

*If you have less than 24 credit hours completed at the time of application, you must request your official high school transcript be sent to Western.

ACT/SAT scores are optional.

WUE/Central Plains Tuition Discount Program Under the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) and Central Plains (CP) programs, students from certain states pay just 150% of Western’s total in-state tuition. For 2023-24, the discount is valued at $4,356. Students from neighboring states who demonstrate financial need are considered for an extra $1,000 per-year grant, assessed annually.

Financial Aid Dates to Remember DEC. 2023: 2024-25 FAFSA Opening DEC. 2023: Scholarship Application Opens APRIL 1: Scholarship Application Closes

WUE

CP

Neighboring States

Financial Aid Resources Scholarships: western.edu/aid Net Price Calculator: western.edu/cost Work Study: western.edu/workstudy College Opportunity Fund: cof.college-assist.org Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov Questions? Contact Financial Aid western.edu/finaid | finaid@western.edu 970.943.3085

Direct Costs for 2023-24 Academic Year In-State

Out-of-State

Tuition

$7,128*

$19,728

Required Fees

$3,955

$3,955

Optional Fees**

$446

$446

Double Room

$5,304

$5,304

Board (15-Meal/Week Plan)

$5,183

$5,183

Total Annual Cost

$22,016

$34,616

*Reflects that the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend has been applied. Total In-State tuition without COF is $10,608. **Optional fees include Campus Rec Fee ($396), Renewable Energy ($30) and Scholarly Activity ($20). ***Tuition amounts listed above exclude the Western-CU Partnership Program.

Merit Scholarship Tiers (First-Year) GPA

In-State

Per Year

Out-of-State

Per Year

3.35 - 3.749

East Merit

$2,500

Basin Merit

$8,000

3.75 - 3.999

State Merit $3,500

Ridgeline Merit

$9,000

4.0

Taylor Merit $4,500

Peak Merit

$10,000

Merit Scholarship Tiers (Transfer) College GPA

In-State

Out-of-State

Advantage Award (3.0-3.49 GPA)

$2,000

$4,500

Scholars Award

$3,000

$6,000

$4,000

$7,000

(3.5-4.0 GPA)

Phi Theta Kappa

(Two-Year College Honor Society Members)

80

%

of Western Students Receive Aid in grants and/or scholarships

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Office of Admissions 1 Western Way Gunnison, CO 81231

GUNNISON,CO PERMIT NO. 5

Experience Western

in

person or online.

2023-24 In-Person Visit Days GEARING UP: Daily Campus Visit BASECAMP: Open Houses Nov 3, Mar 22

MOUNTAINEERING: Transfer Student Experience Oct. 20

ASCEND: Admitted Student Experience Mar. 1-2

TRAILHEAD: Junior Visit Experience April 5

SUMMIT: Deposited Student Experience April 19

Watch The College Tour!

WESTERN.EDU

Schedule a Visit!