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Orientation

Sara Phillips
Director of Student Engagement & Orientation
sphillips@western.edu
Phone: 970.943.2469

ADDRESS:
LEAD & Orientation
University Center 118
600 N. Adams St.
Gunnison, CO 81231

First Year Seminar

Bill Niemi
Director of First Year Seminar
Professor of Politics and Government
wniemi@western.edu
970.943.3045

ADDRESS:
Academic Affairs
322 Taylor Hall
600 N. Adams St.
Gunnison, CO 81231

Residence Life

Edward Klein
Director of Residence Life
eklein@western.edu
970.943.2101

ADDRESS:
Residence Life
117 University Center
600 N. Adams St.
Gunnison, CO 81231

Academic Resource Center

Jen Drumm
Director of Academic Resource Center
jdrumm@western.edu
(970) 943-7008

ADDRESS:
Academic Resource Center
Taylor Hall 302
600 N. Adams St.
Gunnison, CO 81231

 

WSCU First Year Experience

Orientation

Western is hosting one orientation session for all first time freshman* and transfer students with 24 credits or less. The 2013 Orientation dates are August 21 to 25. Over the five days, students will rotate through four blocks of programming, which include: a Headwaters 100 (HWTR 100) service learning project; introduction to academic resources; “Life at Western” to learn about college life and the social issues that come with it; and Wilderness Pursuits trips or walking tours of the local communities. Activities also include programs for families and guests, a welcome barbecue and evening events hosted by student clubs and organizations. In addition, six Wilderness Based Orientation (WBO) trips will be offered through Wilderness Pursuits prior to orientation week.  Learn more about Orientation here.....

(*This applies to any student entering Western who has not lived on a residential campus before.)

 

Headwaters 100 First Year Seminar

First-year students to Western will be enrolled in the HWTR 100 First Year Seminar, which is integrally tied into and begins meeting during Orientation to provide students with a seamless transition into the campus and community culture. During the seminar, students will examine the “place” surrounding Western and the community. This is a discussion-based seminar that may include convocations, community service projects, workshops and field experiences. Academic themes include an introduction to the liberal arts, community sustainability, and the social, natural and cultural surroundings of the region. Academic support services and other resources for students will also be stressed during the seminar. Learn more about the Headwaters 100 First Year Seminar here....

 

Living/Learning Communities

Residence Life will implement eight living/learning communities in the residence halls that are based on areas of student interest: Arts and Humanities; Business Professionals; Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science; Future Teachers; Math and Computer Science; Natural and Environmental Sciences; Social and Behavioral Sciences; and Exploratory Students (undeclared majors). Living/learning communities build a more academic culture at Western by integrating academics into the residential environment.

 

Exploratory Program

Facilitated by the Academic Resource Center, the Exploratory Program assists students who are unsure of their major course of study. The program will provide undeclared students with a personalized action plan and investigative opportunities regarding majors. In addition, the program gives undeclared students a sense of “place” and belonging as they explore a major and profession matched to their skills, values, interests, and abilities. Learn more about the Exploratory Program here....