istering placement tests. This method benefits both nervous test-takers who did not do well on their college entrance exams and potential students who finished their primary education years ago. “It can be intimidating to take tests when you’ve been out of school for five or 10 years,” Montoya Boese said. “We also offer remedial classes to get students caught up.” Another benefit to students attending college locally is their eligibility for a College Opportunity Fund stipend through the state Department of Higher Education. Of the $291 cost per credit hour for tuition and fees, the state pays $62, leaving the student responsible for $229 per credit hour. Students are also encouraged to apply for additional financial aid through government and private agencies. Montoya Boese and her staff are happy to assist students with financial aid information when applicable and direct them to the additional services at the Grand Junction campus. Chris Wilcox, the student services coordinator, spends a lot of time working directly with students to answer their questions, provide advising services and support students who are struggling. Wilcox is also responsible for student retention, and works closely with the student govs ernment coordinating additional activities for students on and off campus. Staff assistant Donna Justin also helps with student advising, as well as providing e support for all staff, handling IT and human resources requests. The three work closely together, often overlapping roles to help s each other and ensuring that every student receives the best quality education. The CMU-Montrose campus office is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. e Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. For more information on CMUMontrose campus admissions and programs of study, visit www.coloradomesa.edu/montrose or call 249-7009.
CMU still raising money for local enhancements By Katrina Kinsley
The rate of enrollment growth the Colorado Mesa University-Montrose campus has experienced — averaging approximately 5 percent per year —has resulted in a few growing pains. Located in what was formerly Morgan Elementary School, the campus has for years held on to a few reminders of the building’s former existence, including leftover lockers lining the halls and decades-old blackboards. The campus was also woefully short on laboratory space, requiring many medical and scientific labs to be held off campus, often at Montrose High School. In May, renovations were initiated to update the campus to improve existing facilities and reconfigure class space to allow more labs. Upgrades were also made to lighting, flooring, ceilings and painted areas to increase efficiency and environment . According to campus director Joey Montoya Boese, the capital campaign to raise the required funds necessary for the upgrades has been largely successful. “We’re at almost $820,000 as of right now,” Montoya Boese said. “We’re hoping to reach our $1 million goal by the end of the year.” Although the entirety of the funds has not yet been raised, the renovations have gone according to schedule, and the facility is ready for the start of the fall semester. Remaining funds will largely go toward equipping the new lab spaces. Donations have been received from several individual contributors, as well as area businesses. The city of Montrose, Montrose Memorial Hospital, the Montrose County Commission, and Jim and Sharon Branscome have been the largest contributors to date, accounting for more than $770,000 in donations, but CMU officials say every contribution is important to the cause. Montoya Boese feels it’s important to note that any donations received at the Montrose campus stay within the community and are not added to a CMU main fund. Local donations can be earmarked for scholarship programs or the capital fund program. The Colorado Mesa University Foundation is a 501c3 organization, so donations made to the campus are
Courtesy Photo
Grand Juntion campus career development specialist Diane Kull, left front, listens as Kennilyn Wright, former manager of student diversity, speaks at a CMU-Montrose campus orientation in a classroom last year, prior to the start of renovations.
Katrina Kinsley/Daily Press
The same classroom is pictured following renovations to lighting, ventilation and communication systems, in addition to new seating and flooring, and the installation of a drop-down projection screen. eligible for tax deductions related to philanthropic gifts. Call the Montrose
campus at 249-7009 for information or to make a contribution.
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Magazine • Fall 2012
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