Colorado Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative

Governor Polis approved the Colorado Re-Engaged Initiative (HB23-1262) on June 7, 2023. You can view the video of support here.

Please refer to the eligibility requirements listed above in the “Who is Eligible?” section. If you think you qualify, please complete the brief opt-in form here.

Students who qualify will receive an Associate of General Studies Degree from Western Colorado University.

If we determine that you meet the eligibility criteria, we will contact you using the phone number, email address, and/or physical address we have on file for you. Please contact Meagan Tracey, at mtracey@western.edu or by phone at 970.943.2243 if you want to update your contact information.

Please contact our Student Reengagement Coordinator, Meagan Tracey, at mtracey@western.edu or by phone at 970.943.2243.

No, you do not need to re-enroll at Western Colorado University to receive your associate degree. Associate degrees under the CORE Initiative are awarded in recognition of courses and credits you have already completed as a former student.

If you return to your previous four-year institution and complete these remaining credits, the CORE eligibility requirements state you would then need to be out of enrollment for a year or more (two consecutive semesters) before you could be eligible for the CORE program. A CORE associate degree is intended to provide the “best available option” for students who were making progress toward a bachelor’s degree but had to pause or discontinue their postsecondary education due to circumstances beyond their control.

If you do wish to re-enroll and continue your postsecondary education, please connect with our Student Reengagement Coordinator, Meagan Tracey, at mtracey@western.edu or by phone at 970.943.2243 to learn about your options for earning a bachelor’s degree or another academic credential.

Having an associate degree is more valuable than having only a high school diploma or having some college but no degree. Please note that CORE associate degrees are not intended to replace or match a bachelor’s degree. However, individuals with an associate degree are proven to have higher annual earnings, lower unemployment rates, and access to higher-quality employment opportunities than those who only have a high school diploma.

No. The associate degrees under the CORE Initiative are only awarded in recognition of academic credits already earned by students who were enrolled in a baccalaureate program but were unable to complete their bachelor’s degree.

Awarding of an associate degree to an eligible former student is not automatic. If you are determined to be eligible for an associate degree under CORE, you will be contacted and asked to “opt-in” before you can receive your degree. There are certain circumstances when receiving your associate degree might not be your best option. An advisor from Western Colorado University can help you understand any potential drawbacks to receiving your degree.