Fall Courses

This is a GPS course, a requirement of the general education curriculum at UCCS. This course is intended to better prepare students for the academic expectations and rigors of higher education through the development of key skills, in four core areas: academic skills, personal skills, social and communication skills, and technology skills. [This class is Residential Learning Community Course and is focused on Nursing in healthcare].

FRIDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / GPS 1010, Section 051 / Instructors: Kimberly Humphrey, Kiley Cahill / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: Students in this GPS class will be required to participate in co-curricular activities outside of assigned classroom time such as: Service learning projects, student life activities, community events, and others. Students will also have the option to participate in a spring 2023 linked course to continue their learning community experience, engagement, and support. 

Explore the intersection of Nursing and the transition into college life at UCCS. Join us as we learn about the healthcare field with guest speakers, a tour of the Simulation center, and the UCCS cadaver lab! A small snapshot into the skills you’ll gain include: self-care, time management, responding to patients' emotional and psychological needs and teamwork!

MONDAY: 10:50 AM-1:30 PM / Section 040 / Instructors: Jessica Kirby and Hazel Reyes / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Interested in the health sciences fields? Whether you are majoring in a health science field such as nursing, nutrition, human physiology, etc. or you just have an interest in helping or serving others in a health-related way, the Healthcare Pathways Learning Community (LC) is for you! As a member of this Learning Community, you will take a common first-year course together, explore health-related programs/topics, participate in health-related activities, and participate in a Service-Learning community outreach project. This class is open to first-year students living on campus for Fall 2024. As a learner in the Healthcare Pathways Learning community you will:

• Connect to UCCS and students with similar career interests
• Develop a strong sense of citizenship, community, and purpose
• Participate in co-curricular experiences in your area of interest and beyond
• Take Gateway Program Seminar (GPS) Healthcare Pathways Learning Community*

FRIDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 013 / Instructors: Dan Deon, Derek Wilson / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: This course is a Learning Community Course

Join us for a journey where we will examine the concepts, principles and operations of business. We will explore how business strategies can help you explore, navigate, and develop a successful collegiate experience through the UCCS College of Business and beyond. Additionally, the Finding Your Way component of the course will incorporate intentional career exploration activities to help you truly discover or reconfirm your area of academic emphasis, major, or career goals. Making choices about the future is challenging and our goal is to provide you with effective support that honors your personal and professional goals.

THURSDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 027 / Instructors: Beckie Pyles Munoz, Isaac Hubbard / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note:To participate in this GPS class, students must be a participant in a linked CJ course (to register for this course please see your academic advisor). Linked course: CJ 1001, Section 001

Do you know exactly what happens after a violent crime has been committed? Do you wonder how accurate popular television shows are in illustrating criminal investigations? In this course, you will learn about the criminal investigation process, modern techniques in crime scene investigation, and will explore high profile cases in the criminal justice system. This course is for Criminal Justice majors and is part of a learning community. Students will also be enrolled in CJ 1001: Introduction to Criminal Justice as part of the learning community.

MONDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 037 / Instructors: Anna Kosloski, Juan San Agustin, John Newsome / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024
 

The focus of this course is to provide a clear connection between how food is grown and ways in which it is consumed. Being a first-year or transfer student can come with its own set of unique stressors. Food in many cases can be forgotten, much to the detriment of our physical, mental, and environmental health. This class offers practical skills and inspiring ideas to lead students towards the path of nutritious food choices. These healthy food choices are beneficial in terms of academic success, mental well-being, vitality, and environmental restoration.

TUESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 001 / Instructors: Sean Svette, TBD / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Denis Waitley put it best when he said, “Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.” This class is designed for students interested in sport, recreation, and wellness careers, as well as student-athletes. We focus on building life skills that translate across disciplines with a sport education model; to include setting positive and attainable goals, finding balance in and out of sports, giving back to the community, choosing healthy behaviors, building healthy relationships and personal and career development.

THURSDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 020 / Instructors: David Fehring, Chrissie Bailey / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Plan a mission to Mars! Explore engineering, biology, biomechanics, psychology, and atmospheric & space flight through a mission to Mars. We will build gliders, explore aerodynamics and wind tunnels, rockets, and apply experimental principles to analyze problems and develop solutions for the mission. We include the human factors inherent in long space missions and learn key aspects necessary to long-term habitation of Mars.

WEDNESDAY: 10:50AM - 1:30PM / Section 011 / Instructors: Julie Albertson, Peter Gorder, Samarth Patel / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: This course is recommended for first-generation students

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.

WEDNESDAY: 10:50AM - 1:30PM / Section 014 / Instructors: Jesse Perez, Carmen Frank / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: This course is for University Honors students

Exploration of the intersection of the mind and society with a focus on how we think, learn, and live. Topics of discussion are designed to investigate the role of ambiguity and complexity in the gray spaces of human endeavor. Specific areas of focus include complex systems; virtual reality; the philosophy of nature and sustainability; the Nazi war, genocide, and identity.

WEDNESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 1010/016 and 3010/001 / Instructors: Joseph Kuzma, Karen DeVries, Sudhanshu Semwal / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Since 2010, the M.O.S.A.I.C. Gateway has prepared students to think critically, maximize team-based learning, and master the skills needed to achieve a college degree. Throughout the course, we will deepen your understanding of why and develop your lifelong skill sets to better navigate the how of college success. We will engage you in the college-level learning process with alumni speakers, leadership panels, career exploration workshops, interactive projects, and hands-on mentorship throughout your first year. This learning community helps students find the answers to questions such as: Who am I as a college student? What am I really passionate about? When will I be able to participate in internships? Where am I able to find more friends and new experiences? Why am I being advised to take certain courses? How am I going to pay for college? Ultimately, the M.O.S.A.I.C. Gateway Community will be a partner in helping you navigate college, focus on learning, and transform your mind for lifelong success!

TUESDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 007 / Instructors: Whitley Hadley, Eric Nissen / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Find your inner innovator! We as humans are inherently inventors! People design solutions from the moment they first interact with their world. In this experiential course, you will embark on a journey where you will experience firsthand how to transform ideas into impact.

THURSDAY: 8:00 AM - 10:40 AM / Section 009 / Instructors: Gail Richards, Carolyn Gery / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

"Practice any art not to get money or fame, but to experience becoming. To find out what's inside you. To make your soul grow." Sir Ian Mckellen. 

Who are you? Who do you want to be? How do you relate to the world around you? Language is epistemic, a way of knowing, an investigation into being and reality. What we say about ourselves defines who we are. What we say about the world is how we believe it to be. Through the practice of creative writing, this course will pair essential tools for excelling in college life with exploring your story and the world around us. This course will examine the art and science of learning, hone your academic skills, connect you with campus resources, help to build community, and navigate the technology and assignment expectations in college through the lens of creative nonfiction, fiction, and poetry ((but you can focus on your favorite genre!). We will learn craft elements of creative writing to learn how to write and write well while cultivating your creativity. Whether you have always loved to write or if you have never done it before, all students in any major or undecided are welcome in this section.

FRIDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM/ Section 015 / Instructors: Luke Elredge, Rachel Gibson  / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please note: This course is intended for those students who wish to someday enter a healthcare field.

Learn about pursuing an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare in the Club Med GPS class. The variety of opportunities and avenues to explore in healthcare will be emphasized. This course will help guide and prepare the student for post-graduate studies in the challenging, competitive, and service-driven healthcare field.    

MONDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 021 / Instructors: Susan Davis, Timothy Stacey, Vicki Schober / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please note: This course is intended for those students who wish to someday enter a healthcare field.

Does "chemistry" scare you? Do you perceive it as hard or impossible? Are you studying or thinking about studying chemistry or biochemistry? Have the courage to join us, as Elizabeth Zott says in Lessons in Chemistry, "Courage is the route of change - and change is what we are chemically destined to do." Lessons in Chemistry is a GPS course intended to build community with fellow chemistry and biochemistry students and majors, gain extra chemistry practice, and have some fun with chemistry in both a lab and classroom setting. We will dye lab coats, perform cool demos, help with Cool Science Carnival Day, and learn about chemistry in the world! It is everywhere, and that is cool.

MONDAY and WEDNESDAY: 1:40 PM - 2:55 PM / Section 022 / Instructors: Elise Naughton, Niki Juhl, Tisha Mendiola / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

This course will introduce students to cybersecurity principles in a non-technical way. It will explore the fictions and myths surrounding cybersecurity, compare those fictions and myths with reality, and explore cybersecurity basics in a fun, hands-on approach. This course is designed to generate interest in future cybersecurity courses and cybersecurity-related career paths. This course includes several field trips and is for students in all disciplines and majors!

TUESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / GPS 1010|Section 002 / Instructors: Dan Olsen, Terry Akse Johnson, Gretchen Bliss / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: This section is recommended for students accepted into the University Studies program 

GPS Pathways: STEM is for students interested in science, engineering, or technology, whose goal is to enter the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences or another science discipline. This course helps you to develop the pieces of the puzzle in order to build the skills you need to succeed in future coursework. We will help you succeed in making your personal and professional dreams a reality!

FRIDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 003 / Instructors: Terry Geiger, Lori French / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: These sections are recommended for students accepted into the University Studies program

This course is about empowering you to follow your own path to success in college and beyond. In this class, you will learn a deeper understanding of higher education by putting theory into action using self-reflection, group interaction and team exercises to explore pathways to careers. This course will challenge you to be creative and to interact with your peers and the broader UCCS community to grow both academically and professionally.

WEDNESDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 006 / Instructors: Dawna Haynes, Kristina Charfauros / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

TUESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 008 / Instructors: Brett Fugate, Chris Beiswanger / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

WEDNESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 026 / Instructors: Cathryn Supplee, Lindsey McCormick, Majid Arjomandi / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Have you ever wondered what if…. What if I studied differently? What if I approached college differently than high school? What if I managed my personal health and well-being differently? To better understand our decision making during these moments and others, this course will explore thoughtful risk-taking, self-reflection, and emotional management. Join us through an experiential learning process as we reframe challenges, delve into new opportunities, and explore “what if…?”

WEDNESDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 005 / Instructors: Nicholas Lockwood, Stephanie Trujillo, Jonathon DeWitt / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

This course focuses on building and developing skills that contribute to academic success and reflect what potential employers  “want” from college students. Participating in this course involves experiencing university life and the origins of the workplace through role immersion gameplay, interacting with visiting faculty and local business professionals about emerging academic and professional trends, and engaging in service-learning opportunities

THURSDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 025 / Instructors: Angela Dodson, Aaron Doussett / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Leaning into the Communication discipline, "Own Your Story!" is about reflecting on your personal experiences and using the knowledge from those experiences to navigate your future. What's your story? How do you understand who you are, what your purpose is, how you are impacting others and the broader world around you? Students in this course will explore different forms of communication while learning other skills to effectively navigate university life and college-level courses. Finally as a culminating project, students will have the opportunity to craft and creatively deliver their own stories.

FRIDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 028 / Instructors: Angel Tran, Nicole Simmons-Rochon / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024    

Our brains are amazing! In Make it Stick, we will explore learning and memory. We will study how to learn and ways to learn better. We will also investigate ways to study, build resilience, and work collaboratively with others.

MONDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 017 / Instructors: Alexa Salstrand, Sean Dean / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Explore the magic of successfully navigating life as a college student! This course will examine the art and science of learning, honing your self-advocacy and academic skills, connecting with campus resources, building your networks, and navigating the technology and assignment expectations in college through the lens of the Harry Potter book series. Whether you are a fan of the wizarding world or have never been exposed, all students in any major and undecided are welcome to this section. 

FRIDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 018 / Instructors: Sandy Ho, Michael Ferguson / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

How is new knowledge created? What do professors do with all their time away from class? Join us and learn this and ways YOU can help faculty push the boundary of what is known and different student success strategies for both in and out of the classroom! We will explore the different types of research and creative works students engage in under the guidance of a faculty mentor as well as researcher ethics, skills, and identity. Our undergraduate students that engage in research or creative works are 120% more likely to graduate, they have 25% higher GPAs, and are 4X more likely to attend graduate school (Undergraduate Research Academy Data, 2020). Let’s learn about how to make the most out of your time as a college student!

TUESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 019 / Instructors: Jennifer Poe, Deanna Johnson / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: This course is a Learning Community Course 

Denis Waitley put it best when he said, “Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.” This class is designed for students interested in sport, recreation, and wellness careers, as well as student-athletes. We focus on building life skills that translate across disciplines with a sport education model; to include setting positive and attainable goals, finding balance in and out of sports, giving back to the community, choosing healthy behaviors, building healthy relationships and personal and career development.

THURSDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 020 / Instructors: Chrissie Bailey, David Fehring / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Sport Center looks at sports through a social science lens – examining sport from communication, economic, psychological and sociological perspectives. We will explore: How does the mindset of an exceptional athlete differ from the rest of us? What motivates fandom? What role do sports play in the economy? Do we have too much invested in our sports idols? How are sports reflective of culture? This course is for both the casual and die-hard fan as we learn about the role sports play in society

THURSDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 023 / Instructors: Majid Arjomandi, James Gromelski, Nicolas Cantrell / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

This course will examine the relationship between self and the environment. How does the place we live affect us? How have people changed the environment of Colorado? This class will be organized around field trips and outdoor activities (including an overnight camping trip), readings, discussions, group work, a service project, and presentations that help us reflect upon our place in Colorado and how we and others interact with it.

WEDNESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 024 / Instructors: Christopher Ertman, Telma Frumholtz / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

This GPS course is about to get LIT. We welcome anyone interested in learning about either (or both!) incorporating physical activity into your own life as a college student, or those interested in a field of health and wellness. This class is "low intensity" meaning we will explore the surface of different academic disciplines and physical activities. All abilities and previous experiences are welcomed (even if it means you have no previous exercise experience).

TUESDAY: 8:00 AM - 10:40 AM / Section 029 / Instructors: Emily Kulakowski, Jessica Kirby / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Have you ever seen a new product or service and thought to yourself: “Why didn’t I think of that?” This course can help you take control of your destiny. You’ll learn the “how to’s” of entrepreneurism: how to market your idea, how to run your business, how to understand your customers, how to get others excited to work for you, and how to grow the money you make.

MONDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 030 / Instructors: Laketia Johnson, Zachary Baker / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Are you interested in learning about managing and restoring the forest environment near Colorado Springs? This course focuses on balancing the ecology of a sustainable forest with the needs of human users. Through lectures and field studies, you will investigate the relationship between climate change, human influences, political perspectives, and the financial issues of forest management.

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 AM - 10:40 AM / Section 031 / Instructors: Julie Albertson, Keith Worley, Nicole Juhl / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

This course will examine numerous professional career opportunities in the criminal justice field in the United States. Students will review the hiring processes, daily operations, and career outcomes of criminal justice professions such as policing, corrections, parole and probation, and law. Students will meet with local legal and criminal justice officials and participate in scenario-based activities associated with the field of criminal justice. This course is for students interested in criminal justice matters.

THURSDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 032 / John Barnett, Kate Quintana / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Whether you were born and raised in Colorado Springs, or are brand new to the community, it’s the secrets of the springs that create the city’s histories, mysteries and one of the most exciting places in Colorado.

WEDNESDAY: 1:40 PM- 4:20 PM / Section 033 / Instructors: Jenifer Furda, TBD / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Calling all space nerds! In this course, students will engage in interactive lessons on the history of space exploration while also gaining lasting professional communication skills such as public speaking, interviewing, and networking. Students will also receive guidance and resources for success in college and beyond. This course is geared primarily toward students who are either interested in engineering or space topics but is open to all.

TUESDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 034 / Instructors: Tess Kyner, Jackson Kyner, Robert Kyner / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Students arrive to the college experience wide-eyed and insecure. For many, failure is an assignment away. Finding your true north helps students to discover what is important to their academic, social, and personal wellness so that they are ready to meet challenges head on.

THURSDAY: 10:50 AM-1:30 PM / Section 035 / Instructors: Sharon Simpson-Dogon, Laketia Johnson / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Course looks at the role health care professionals play in being change-makers for social justice issues both within and outside healthcare.

WEDNESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM/ Section 036 / Instructors: Tisha Mendiola Jessop, Morgen Thomas / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024 

Please Note: This class is for LIVE Leadership scholarship recipients

Strong roots grow powerful trees. This course is specifically designed for recipients of the Launching Integrity, Values, and Excellence in Leadership (LIVE) scholarship. Through dynamic weekly sessions and an epic field trip guaranteed to excite, you will uncover your unique leadership abilities and connect with opportunities to lead on the UCCS campus and in the community.

TUESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 039 / Instructors: Noelle San Souci, Rebecca Cherpak / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

The goal of the class is for students to learn basic programming skills in a fun and enjoyable way. This class is intended for students with little to no programming experience. Students will learn how to build a LEGO EV3 robot with sensors and motors. Robot construction plans are provided, but creativity is encouraged. Students will then learn to write programs to control the robot using the RobotC programming language. 

WEDNESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 004 / Instructors: TBD, Course TBA

TUESDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 038 / Instructors: Leslie Tekamp / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

This course takes a broad-based look at gaming/poker theory and applications of statistical analytics to real-life situations. The purpose of this class will be to foster an environment for the study of poker and game theory, develop the basic strategies and advanced foundation for decision-making in poker and life, and provide an understanding of the current poker environment and how students might leverage talent for poker in their future careers.

TUESDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 044 / Instructors: Cynthia Norton, Justin Cole / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Social Work Superheroes includes meaningful coursework about the diverse roles and opportunities the social work field offers prospective students. Social justice issues, connections to real-world superheroes, and the impact social workers have in a variety of professional settings are explored in this course. This course is intended to demonstrate how to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities through collaboration in advocating for a fair and just society. Social Work Superheroes also offers tools and skills to help students navigate the college experience while providing valuable career insights for those exploring helping professions.

TUESDAY: 4:45 PM-7:20 PM / Section 045 / Instructors: Catherine Barrios, Kim Sannes / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Are you a film buff with a passion for movies? Whether that be watching, analyzing, producing, directing, acting, etc.; this is the GPS section for you! In this Movie Madness section, we will watch weekly films and reflect on how specific themes and issues compare and contrast to our society's current structure and how those influence our own perceptions. In addition, this course will provide exposure to campus resources as well as connection opportunities with the different film-based academic departments and student organizations here at UCCS!

THURSDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 046 / Instructors: Ann Schwab / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

In this course you will learn what it means to be a student at UCCS and how to be academically, personally, and professionally successful. You will learn more about yourself to create a meaningful life and a meaningful experience while at UCCS. You will be engaged in a series of assessments and activities over the course of the semester so that, by the end of the semester, you will be able to answer the questions: “Who am I?”, “Where do I come from?”. “Where do I want to go?”, “What do I want to do?”, “What is my purpose?”, and “What is a meaningful life?”

THURSDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 047 / Instructors: Amanda Garcia, Heather Gardner / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Think “The View” meets GPS. In this class, we will have candid conversations about the most significant and challenging topics facing today’s college students. As Whoopi Goldberg says, “Take a little time and enjoy the view!”

MONDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 048 / Instructors: Cory Gavitt, Daniella Trujillo / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

What are you hungry for? Food? Passion? Success? Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul. Come explore ways to feed yourself, feed others and feed the community. This course will provide opportunities for you to engage in creative ways to eat, connect, explore, and feed the inspiration from within.

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 AM- 10:40AM / Section 049 / Instructors: Andrea Baker, Ryan Wong / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Explore the field of health sciences through interactive sessions in a variety of heath science-related settings. In this class students will gain the skills necessary to be successful in a high-demand major while discovering careers in health science.

WEDNESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 043 / Instructors: Gina Burton, Paige Whitney / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

This course will guide you on your path to elevate your success. This seminar will help you to be more reflective and purposeful. You will learn how to elevate your success by becoming your own advocate, organizing your time, and stepping up to all the challenges you may face.

THURSDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 042 / Instructors: Ida Dilwood, Steve Linhart / 8/22/2024 - 11/10/2024

Please Note: This course is recommended for non-traditional students including Military; This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

This course is designed to help you transition smoothly into college, adjust gradually to the demands and rigor of university life, stay in college, and succeed, not only in college, but as you transition into a career field. As we approach our topic from many vantage points and speakers’ varied expertise and experiences, the emphasis is on holistic learning about higher education and UCCS.

ONLINE / Section 3010 OL1 / Instructors: Rhea Taylor / 8/26/24 - 12/21/24

Please Note: This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Each semester is a new opportunity to learn more about yourself; but what is at your core? In this course you will look into what drives you and gives you purpose. Alongside practical ways to succeed in college, you will learn that your “why” is as critical to your college experience as the journey itself.

ONLINE / Section OL3 / Instructors: Lori Salgado / 8/26/24 - 12/21/24

Please Note: This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

This course surveys and critically analyzes a major popular culture influencer, Disney. Beginning with the origins of Walt Disney and Disney Pixar and ending with Banksy’s 2015 critical theme park, Disneyland, this course enlightens multiple perspectives and interpretations of Disney and Disney’s sociocultural influence since the 1930s. This course allows learners to engage and analyze with Disney films through a historical perspective. Using fairy tales, myths, and literature, the true origins of Disney’s inspirations are revealed, and some are quite different than the story Disney animated for mass American consumption.

ONLINE / Section OL5 / Instructors: Sydney Pearson / 8/26/24 - 12/21/24

Please Note: This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Quicksand can be hard to spot and can trap and hold the unsuspecting. What are the moments in your life when you have felt stuck? Caught in a narrative that does not work for you? Through an interactive and dialogue-based approach, this class will challenge you to explore social power dynamics in America. This class looks at how societal norms are created and maintained in this culture. Students will use their personal voice and story to make meaning on the ways dominant narrative shapes their lives.

ONLINE / Section OL7 / Instructors: Claire Ami / 8/26/24 - 12/21/24

Please Note: This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

This interactive course investigates the potential of fine arts as a catalyst to expand individual creative thinking and introduces art strategies as tools of grounding, connecting, reflecting, and opening one's own creative potentials. We will take a hands-on approach as we work through select art methods used to unlock the subconscious. Utilizing a process for process's sake, for the experience of the process itself rather than as a means to an end, unlocks a world of possibilities. We will examine artworks known to be transformative and consider them through lenses of self, participation, community, culture, and paradigm (current and potential).

ONLINE / Section OL4 / Instructors: Amy Anderson / 8/26/24 - 12/21/24

Please Note: This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Looking for something to do this weekend? How about a trip with friends next summer? This course will explore fun things to do in Colorado Springs but also along the Front Range corridor of Colorado. This area has so much to offer, from hiking, biking, camping and white water rafting to museums, art galleries, amusement parks and entertaining festivals. This class will explore things to do with friends, family or even by yourself. Through research opportunities, group activities, service learning projects and sharing personal experiences you will discover how to LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE!!!!! 

ONLINE / Section OL8 / Instructors: Rhea Taylor / 8/26/24 - 12/21/24

SESSION A: PRE-TERM

Please Note: This course is an intensive one-week pre-term course.

Through this one-week course you will select an area of study and explore different careers and majors related to that focus. This course is a three-credit course for UCCS freshmen. It is the first course in the Compass Curriculum and introduces students to the educational aims of this general education curriculum. This course includes best practices relating to welcoming and helping freshmen make successful adjustments to the university and is part of the Meta-Major's emphasis here at UCCS, specifically the focus on Arts, Humanities, and Media. There are four primary components of the GPS course, including interdisciplinary exploration of a course, the intentional development of key academic skills, linkage with university services, and collaborative involvement with faculty and peers.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 010 / Instructors: Marcelle Hureau, Corlea Keeney / 8/19/24 - 8/23/24 

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This online course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Starting college is the beginning of a new adventure for you and those around you. The Gateway Program Seminar’s aim is to help prepare you for some expectations that this new adventure will have for you so that you can be as successful in achieving your objectives as possible. This course’s theme is a metaphor we are using to help you discover the possibilities and opportunities of an as yet unexplored territory called “college.” This includes preparing for this new experience by gathering some new tools such as the technologies you’ll need and learning about the requirements of the course. Then you’ll start practicing for your adventure by plotting your path forward at UCCS: you will establish personal and academic goals and find the people that you’ll need to help you throughout your time at UCCS. Finally, you’ll explore the wilderness! You’ll locate a place that’s new to you (a hike, a museum, a local spot) and use all of your new skills, tools, and resources to craft a researched paper and reflective presentation.  

ONLINE / Section OL1 / Instructors: Leslie Rapparlie / 10/23/24 - 12/21/24

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This course does not participate in Gateway Days.

What can we learn from a tree? This course invites students to embark on the adventure of academic skill development through exploration of the natural world. Combining the study of diverse natural phenomena and academic exploration and students will gain insight into both college life and the lessons nature has to offer. Through a blend of lectures, service learning, and hands-on projects, students will develop study skills, practice critical thinking, and the resources UCCS has to offer all while discussing the wonderful natural environment that surrounds us. By learning from nature, students will foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility for their own academic endeavors and our planet.

ONLINE / Section OL2 / Instructors: Lindsey Duthrie / 8/26/24 - 12/21/24

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This online course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Description:  This GPS course will introduce career exploration for students, helping them to navigate the process of resume and cover letter writing, virtual and in-person interviewing, career exploration, and other initiatives used to mitigate bias in the hiring process. Students will map a more efficient job search process through direct instruction, reflection, practical application, and peer/instructor feedback. By the end of the course, students will have a portfolio and experiences to reference as they navigate the job market.

MONDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section HO2 / Instructors: Nicole Simmons, TBD / 10/23/24 - 12/21/24

SESSION A: PRE-TERM

Please Note: This course is an intensive one-week pre-term course.

Meta-Majors are collections of academic majors that have related courses. Meta-Majors cluster groups of majors that fit within a career area. Through this course you will select an area of study and explore different careers and majors related to that focus.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 012 Instructors: Solveig Olsen, Joye Levy / 8/19/24 - 8/23/24 

SESSION A: PRE-TERM

Please Note: This online course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Are you someone who dwells in magical worlds, powerful memories, or poetic moments of inspiration?  If so this one-week course will introduce you to intellectual curiosity, analytical reading, creativity, and listening skills through three genres of creative writing: fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.  We will explore creative prompts and assignments that ask you to become familiar with campus culture and your place in it, including (but not limited to) pondering architecture and landscape through sound and imagery.  We will also investigate our personal identities through self-reflection and a variety of contemporary readings from flash fiction to personal narrative to spoken word poems.  Through peer-review and revision in our writing workshop, you will apply your learning and refine your individual craft in creative writing.  Let's work together to get your creative dreams down on the page and connect you to exciting writing opportunities on campus!

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 041 Instructors: Martin Salgado, Sheldon Gaskell / 8/19/24 - 8/23/24 

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This online course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Riddle me this: Do you have a brain or are you a brain? Let’s say you have brain transplant with your BFF. Now your brain is in their body and vice versa. Which person is the real you? Your brain with a different person’s body or your body with a different brain? Did you figure it out or did I just blow your mind?? This course is designed to get you thinking. From demystifying optical illusions to navigating the hidden curriculum in college, this life kit course will inspire you to think outside the box and towards your future! So, are you ready for some Brain Games?

ONLINE / Section OL6 / Instructors: Lori Salgado / 10/23/24 - 12/21/24

SESSION A: PRE-TERM

Please Note: This course is an intensive one-week pre-term course.

Human nature drives us to push harder, learn more, and be the best. We all want to stand out in our own ways. This course focuses on exploring who we are, the people and places that made us, and how we will pursue our dreams to enable us to be the best of the best!

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 050 / Instructors: Curtis Turner, Josie Smith / 8/19/24 - 8/23/24 

SESSION A: PRE-TERM

Please Note: This course is an intensive one-week pre-term course.

Head Start is an intensive one-week course designed to introduce incoming students to college life, campus resources, and essential skills for academic success. Taking place the week before the semester begins, this immersive experience combines interactive workshops, outdoor activities, and guided explorations of the campus community. Students will engage in team-building exercises, discover key support services, and develop strategies for effective time management and study habits. By the end of the week, participants will have formed valuable connections, gained confidence in navigating their new environment, and be well-prepared to embark on their college journey.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 052 / Instructors: Gina Baldoni-Rus, Michelle Prose / 8/19/24 - 8/23/24 

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

We all have monsters hiding underneath our bed, and maybe for you that monster is college. Horror has long been a genre that explores our anxieties concerning identity, religion, technology, difference/otherness, and environment, among other topics. This course will consider the transition to college life through the lens of horror studies, examining the various monsters you may encounter on campus in order to foster your critical thinking, connection with other students, and sense of community at UCCS. If the Final Girl is the triumphant survivor of many popular horror stories, then this class will empower you to be the Final Girl of your college experience.

THURSDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM /Section HO1/ Instructors: Cody Parish, Deka Spears / 10/23/24 - 12/21/24

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

University life can be overwhelming, especially as personal and academic responsibilities begin to pile up. Fortunately, you have what it takes to achieve success. This course prepares you for success within and beyond university by exposing you to habits, skills, and resources you can begin utilizing immediately. You will learn habits of mind that support stress reduction and time management; key academic skills related to reading, note taking, studying, and test taking; how to use campus resources to guide your academic and overall wellbeing; and functional ways to improve life skills, including financial, career, and culinary literacy

MONDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section HO3 / Instructors: Zachary Barker, TBD / 10/23/24 - 12/21/24

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

Stories shape the human experience. We are constantly telling and receiving stories. We will examine this important art form in the realm of film and television. What makes a good story? How do you tell a story for film or TV? Besides writing a story of their own creation, students will study two American classics: Casablanca and Star Wars from a storytelling perspective. Students will then work on their own "Storyboard" and use software called "Storyboardthis" to create and voice their original short stories. This process will introduce students to principles, concepts and elements of storytelling and the writing process for film and TV. They will learn how to pitch stories to a group and how to write using screenplay format and traditional narrative format, as well as how to work cohesively in a small group setting. 

MONDAY and WEDNESDAY: 10:45 AM - 1:30 PM / Section OL9 / Instructors: Marcelle Hureau / 10/23/24 - 12/21/24 

Please Note: This course is recommended for non-traditional students, including military 

This course is designed to help you transition smoothly into college, adjust gradually to the demands and rigor of university life, stay in college and succeed not only as a student, but also as you transition into a career field. As we approach our topic from many vantage points and speakers’ varied expertise and experiences, the emphasis is on holistic learning about higher education and UCCS.

THURSDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / GPS 3010|Section 002 / Instructors: DeLyn Winters, Carl Frazer / 8/22/2024 - 12/21/2024

SESSION B: LATE START

Please Note: This course is a late start Session B course and begins mid-semester. This course does not participate in Gateway Days. 

The purpose of this course is to guide students with major, college, career, and life exploration. This asynchronous course is comprised of practical resources, activities, and information to help students explore who they are and strategically uncover how they want to show up in the world. By the end of this course, students will feel confident - and prepared - to start college, embark on their career interests, and get the most out of their next chapter in life. 

ONLINE / Section OL10 / Instructors: Brianna Escobedo / 10/23/24 - 12/21/24