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An aerial view of campus on a bluebird fall day. The Rady Building is in the foreground.

About Western

Vision & Values

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Western Colorado University is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience to all students who attend, and takes pride in following a set of values that form our vision as a university. With the Rocky Mountains serving as our laboratory, we are a unique public institution. As a premier provider of rigorous, immersive education, Western champions intellectual exploration, critical thinking, and integrity, while inspiring innovation. Western offers an inclusive and personalized academic experience that enhances the lives of our students and their communities now and in the future.

Values

A student rock climbs

Courage

Mountaineers are adventurous and entrepreneurial spirits who embrace change to better ourselves and the people we serve. We boldly act on our convictions.

A student smiles while holding her diploma

Growth

Mountaineers believe that rigorous academic inquiry and civil dialogue are necessary for free and open critical thinking that defines our role as a public institution in a democratic society. We foster new ideas by developing both emotional maturity and intellectual curiosity.

A group of several students hang out together in a park

Inclusivity

Mountaineers nurture a welcoming community for all faculty, students, staff, and other stakeholders. We are committed to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable campus environment.

Four students volunteer together

Integrity

Mountaineers are committed to acting with the highest ethics, respect for the dignity of others, and personal authenticity. We communicate with openness, honesty and civility, and we are accountable for our actions.

Several students gardening together

Stewardship

Mountaineers are environmental, intellectual, social, and fiscal stewards of our campus and our global community as places of engagement and personal responsibility.

Take the Next Step

Apply to
Western
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Apply to
Western

We understand that applying to a university can be daunting, which is why we make our admission process as simple and straightforward as possible. Learn more about applying to your program of choice at Western.

Visit
Western
Colorado Hall with the Palisades in the background on a bluebird day.

Visit
Western

The best way to find out what makes Western such a special place is to experience it for yourself. Our student-led tours give you an insider’s perspective on everything from academics to student life.

Alumni
Community
A group of four alumni look at an old photo that one of them picked up from a selection of photos that were printed and laid out for the Ski Team Social event.

Alumni
Community

We keep the Mountaineer spirit going strong within our alumni community. Whether getting together with friends at an annual event, making a donation or mentoring a student, graduates continue to play an important role in the Western community.

Request
Information
A few students pose for a photo behind the Multicultural Center table at the Admitted Student Day Club Fair.

Request
Information

Want to discover more about Western? Request information today to get in touch with the admissions team.