First-Gen Learning Community
AT A GLANCE
Why join?
The First-Gen Learning Community at UCCS strives to create belonging and community for students who are a part of the 20%+ of UCCS undergraduates who identify as first-generation college students. Students are first-generation if neither parent/s completed a four-year (Bachelor's) degree at a college or university, regardless of other family member's level of education.
During class sessions:
- build essential academic skills to identify, leverage, and promote existing talents and experiences.
- explore your own identities and heritage that help to shape our society and world.
Outside of class:
- build a network with faculty and staff who can offer guidance based on their own experiences as first-generation college students.
- participate in meetups to enhance your overall college experience, including weekend trips, socials, and more!
Learning Community Coach:
Each of our learning communities has a Learning Community Coach (LCC) - a student who shares a similar interest (in this case, a first-generation college student), who has successfully navigated their first year at UCCS. LCC's attend the Gateway Program Seminar (GPS) class every week and meet with students individually and in groups outside of class. LCC's help connect students with instructors, resources, and opportunities to get the most out of their college experience.
How do I join?
To join the First-Gen Learning Community, email gps@uccs.edu for a permission code to enroll in GPS 1010.014. The First-Gen Learning Community is for first-generation students only.
GPS 1010.014 - First-Gen Global Citizens: Cultivating Cultural Intelligence
Wednesdays 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM (Aug. 22, 2024 - Nov. 10, 2024)
*Mandatory Gateway Days on August 22nd and 23rd from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days.
Course Description: In this course students will embark on a journey of self-discovery and cultural exploration, beginning with an examination of their own identities and heritage. They will then broaden their perspective by exploring the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and identities that shape our interconnected world.
Meet the First-Gen Team
Dr. Julie Albertson
Senior Instructor - College of Engineering and Applied Science
Teaches the GPS 1010.011 course for the Mission to Mars Learning Community.
Phone: 719-255-3814
Email: jalberts@uccs.edu
Office: OCSE A442
Dr. Albertson is a senior instructor in the Department of Mechancial and Aerospace Engineering.
Dr. Peter Gorder
Associate Professor - College of Engineering and Applied Science
Teaches the GPS 1010.011 course for the Mission to Mars Learning Community.
Phone: 719-255-3168
Email: pgorder@uccs.edu
Office: OCSE A439
Dr. Gorder is an Associatte Professor in the Department of Mechancial and Aerospace Engineering.
Samarth Patel
Lecturer
Teaches the GPS 1010.011 course for the Mission to Mars Learning Community.
Phone: 719-424-6097
Email: spatel6@uccs.edu
Office: OCSE A430
Samarth is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. He has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical engineering and a Master's degree in Aerospace Propulsion Technology. He is currently researching diffuse interface methods for complex fluid-fluid interactions. This and his broader interests are in combustion dynamics and developing models for simulation of the detonation waves through a propellant droplet.
Chris Moody
Learning Community Coach
Phone: 719-255-3570
Email: st-lc05@uccs.edu
Office: Main Hall 324
My name is Chris Moody. I am a third-year UCCS Student studying towards a degree in Business Administration and Management with a minor in Economics. I am also a cadet in the AFROTC Program at Detachment 105 in CU Boulder.
Mission to Mars is a fun introductory course that gets students used to what a college lecture class looks like and what they can expect from future classes. We engage in fun projects such as rocket building, a Mars mission simulation, and other enriching activities.