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Western Campus Overview

Teacher Institute

Housing and Experience

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Planning to come to campus to take a course or two at the Teacher Institute? If so we are so excited to see you and welcome you in beautiful Gunnison, CO.

Western Colorado University’s Teacher Institute offers courses from a multitude of subject areas so you can hone your teaching skills in your area(s) of specialization. From fine arts, to STEM, to language and everything in between, our hands-on, practical learning opportunities will provide you with enhanced knowledge and expertise to bring back to your home classroom.

Over the course of 2 weeks in June the Education Department and the Teacher Institute host educators from all of the state of Colorado and beyond.  Check out our on-campus housing option, suggestions for off campus housing, and information about different experiences you can expect to have on campus!

Please see below for information from the 2024 TI – if you are interested or have questions about housing for upcoming courses or in June 2025 – email teacherinstitute@western.edu.

On-campus housing in Dillon Pinnacles will be available this year. Participants can reserve housing starting April 1st.  Reservation requests will end on May 15th.

Conference Services is managing on-campus housing this year, and so there have been a few changes.

Please note that the final day to reserve housing is May 15th. Additionally, this is the final day to cancel for a refund.

Housing will be reserved as a 3-night package only – starting the day before the course (check in 4-6pm), and ending the final day of the course (check out 10am). The participant can reserve as many sessions of housing needed, but the package can not be split up. The session packages are as follows:

  • SESSION I: Sun-Wed, 6/2-6/5/24
  • SESSION II: Wed-Sat, 6/5-6/8/24
  • SESSION III: Sun-Wed, 6/9-6/12/24
  • SESSION IV: Wed-Sat, 6/12-6/15/24

On-campus housing package cost: $120

Hotels

There are a few hotels in Gunnison is you prefer to stay off campus.  We may have prorated rooms available, information on that is to come.

Wanderlust Hostel – This super fun and affordable hostel will make you feel right at home in downtown Gunnison (970-901-1599)

Camping

Hartman Rocks Recreational Area (off the grid)

If you are interested in off the grid camping check out Hartman Rocks Recreational Area – we have had lots of attendees’ camp out there with a group.  You then can purchase a day pass to the Mountaineer Field House to use the gym and clean up!

Gunnison KOA Journey (970)-641-1358

Tall Texan (970)-641-2927

We keep you going!

During your time on campus, on regular business days, we will host complimentary coffee and snack in the morning at 10:30 and an afternoon refresh at 2:30.  New this year, stop by Crawford Hall on campus for a free cup of coffee or tea before heading to your class!

Additionally, on each Wednesday, WCU’s marketing department will host a free lunch from 12-1pm for all teachers on campus and in courses held in the University Ballroom.

Social Hour!

We love to schedule several informal gatherings during Teacher Institute. Keep an eye out for signups at snack tables while you are here.

Recreational Opportunities

It is summer in the Gunnison Valley.  Between Gunnison and Crested Butte, CO (only 30 minutes away) there is a plethora of hiking, biking, fishing, outdoor recreation adventures.  The sun will be shining and the wildflowers popping – feel free to reach out to anyone working in Crawford Hall during the Teacher’s Institute for suggestions on outdoor activities and locations.

Need child care?

Check out the Junior Mountaineer Camp! This camp is on campus and is specifically designed for children ages 5-12.  Junior Mountaineers combines athletics, physical activities, and STEAM.

Additionally, there is a local Gunnison Valley Sitters page on Facebook that you could join and post within to try and find a local babysitter (for those of you with children under the age of 5).

Courses will be offered in 4 different session blocks from June 3-15, 2024.

  • Session I: June 3-5
  • Session II: June 6-8
  • Session III: June 10-12
  • Session IV: June 13-15

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