GPS Courses Participating in Gateway Days

Course Meeting Dates: 08/10/2026 to 08/19/2026

Course Format: IN-PERSON

Pre-Term courses are offered as a one-week intensive, taken prior to the start of the fall semester, including Gateway Days.

Pre-Term courses are identified as:

Discipline Specific - These courses cover a wide range of topics related to a field of study or meta-major. 

Themed - These courses cover a wide range of topics related to a theme.

These courses do participate in Gateway Days. 

IN-PERSON

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

Welcome to the UCCS Gateway Program Seminar, where you'll dive into an exciting week of learning and preparation for your college journey! From mastering time management and embracing a growth mindset to discovering invaluable campus resources and safety tips, this course is designed to set you up for success exploring various meta majors in humanities. Get ready to explore the heart of UCCS with campus tours and tools that will help you integrate seamlessly into our vibrant community!

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 Section 010 Instructors: TBD / 08/10/2026 - 08/19/2026

This course will participate in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

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

Description coming soon! 

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 012 Instructors: TBD / 08/10/2026 - 08/19/2026

This course will participate in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

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

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 / 08/10/2026 - 08/19/2026

This course will participate in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

Please Note: This course is for students enrolled in the Pre-Collegiate Program. This an intensive one-week pre-term course. *Enrollment Permissions Required.

GPS Pre-Collegiate is an intensive, one-week course designed to introduce incoming students to college life and equip them with the tools needed for a successful first year. The course is highly interactive, combining team-building activities, campus exploration, and hands-on learning experiences. Throughout the week, participants will develop a clear vision for their future, helping them stay motivated and resilient when challenges arise. By the end of the week, each student will be well-prepared to begin their college journey with confidence.

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 050 / Instructors: TBD / 08/10/2026 - 08/19/2026

This course will participate in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

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

Description coming soon! 

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Section 052 / Instructors: TBD / 08/10/2026 - 08/19/2026 

This course will participate in Gateway Days 

Course Meeting Dates: 08/24/2026 - 12/19/2026 [Gateway Days]: 08/20/2026 - 08/21/2026

Course Format: IN-PERSON

These courses meet for a total of 15-weeks, including Gateway Days. Participation in Gateway Days is required. 

Session A courses are identified as:

Discipline Specific - These courses cover a wide range of topics related to a field of study or meta-major.

Themed - These courses cover a wide range of topics related to a theme.

These courses do participate in Gateway Days. 

IN-PERSON

 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 / 08/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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.

TUESDAY and THURSDAY: 1:40 PM - 2:55 PM / Section 022 / Instructors: Elise Naughton, Nicole Juhl / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

Are you driven by a desire to make a difference? To stand up for others, challenge injustice, and be part of something bigger than yourself? This course welcomes students who are curious about social work, social justice, and helping professions. Through engaging activities, campus exploration, and personal reflection, we’ll dive into themes of identity, community, and advocacy. You'll learn how social workers promote equity and well-being, and you’ll begin mapping your own purpose-filled path in college and beyond.

As part of the UCCS Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program, this course offers a first look at a profession rooted in ethical, hands-on practice and meaningful change. Social workers help individuals, families, groups, and communities navigate complex challenges and create an environment of wellbeing. The need for skilled professionals in this field is growing rapidly, with national job growth predictions between 15% and 22% over the next decade.

Whether you’re planning a career as an advocate, community leader, or future social worker, this course will help you build essential college success skills—like time management, communication, and self-care—while connecting your values to your academic and career journey.

Together, we’ll explore who you are, what you care about, and how you can make a meaningful impact in the world

MONDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM/ Section 040 / Instructors: Annalesia Moore and Anna Nicole / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

Description coming soon! 

WEDNESDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM/ Section 015 / Instructors: TBD / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

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: Terri Johnson Akse / Gretchen Bliss / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

This first-year seminar invites students to explore the college experience through the lens of creative practice. Blending hands-on art making with reflective discussion, students will use visual expression to reflect upon their individual and shared experiences as new students and core themes of the college journey. No prior art experience is required; this course is about process, not perfection. Along the way, students will build foundational academic skills such as self-care, time management, self-advocacy, and effective communication. Through studio projects, collaborative exercises, and on and off-campus exploration, students will chart their own creative path toward a meaningful first year.

MONDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 021 / Instructors: Taryn Sweeney/ Beverly Oliver / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course will participate in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

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 meta-majors, 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 / Suzannah Miller/ 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON 

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 meta-majors 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.

TUESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 008 / Instructors: Brett Fugate, Chris Beiswanger / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

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: TBD / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

Description coming soon!

MONDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 026 / Instructors: TBD / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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: TBD / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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: TBD/ 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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, Zak Kroger / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

Description coming soon! 

FRIDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 034 / Instructors: TBD / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

Adulting can be a challenge. Our hidden biases and lack of skill and/or knowledge can complicate matters even more. This course will help you to break through some of those barriers to greater joy and success by engaging you in investigation, evidence-based tools, and group interaction. Who's ready for a clearer and brighter path?

THURSDAY: 10:50 AM-1:30 PM / Section 035 / Instructors: Kristy Wilson / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

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.

MONDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 038 / Instructors: TBD / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

From ancient Germanic mythology to Tolkien's greedy, well-spoken Smaug, dragons have been a central staple of medieval-inspired western literature and media for centuries.

This course will explore the image of the dragon from its mythological origins to its presence in the modern age, and how civilization's continued fascination with the creature’s ominous power is a symbol of preserving strength in fantasy, medieval studies, and history. Students will receive tangible knowledge of history and literary elements, a skill set which allows them to empathetically think and convey information, and a sense of confidence while navigating the UCCS community and their future career profession.

WEDNESDAY: 4:45 PM-7:20 PM / Section 006 / Instructors: Xuan Truong  / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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!

WEDNESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 046 / Instructors: Ann Schwab / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

Description cooming soon! 

WEDNESDAY: 8:00 AM- 10:40AM / Section 049 / Instructors: Anna Bauer / Natalie Porter / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

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 / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

Get ready to chop, sauté, and share! In Cooking Up Connections, students will join small group work in the Lane Center Teaching Kitchen, every other week, to cook simple, delicious meals. In this course students will build friendships, explore new flavors, and discover how to become a successful student at UCCS.

TUESDAY: 10:40 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 01 / Instructors: Sean Svette/ Megan Barnes/ 8/25/2025 - 11/09/2025

This course participates in Gateway Days - THURSDAY and FRIDAY: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 8/21/2025 - 8/22/2025.

IN-PERSON

Description Coming Soon!

FRIDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 013 / Instructors: Dan Deon/ Derek Wilson/ 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

In Make It Stick we will explore the science of learning and memory, using evidence-based strategies to enhance academic success. We will investigate how learning happens, develop effective study habits, and build resilience through active engagement and course activities. We will also strengthen communication, critical thinking, and information literacy skills while fostering a collaborative learning community.  Our class is designed to support you in your transition to university life, helping you integrate academic and personal growth strategies for long-term success

MONDAY: 4:45 PM - 7:20 PM / Section 017 / Instructors: Sean Dean / Cynthia Norton / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

Description coming soon!

TUESDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 019 / Instructors: TBD / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

WEDNESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 0 / Instructors: STAFF 

 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

IN-PERSON

In this course, we’ll vibe with music, culture, and language to explore what makes you you. You’ll build your own “College Playlist” a mix of music, values, goals, and connections that shape your vibe, voice, and influence as a student leader. Expect playlist swaps, cultural deep dives, creative projects, and vibe sessions. Along the way, you’ll get a taste of global cultures through food, music, and traditions from around the world. Whether you’re curious about study abroad, global careers, or just want to meet new people and learn new things, this course is your passport to fresh perspectives, leadership skills, and real-world connections

WEDNESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 014 / Instructors: Jesse Perez/ Carmen Frank / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

IN-PERSON

Off and Running is a GPS course designed to introduce incoming students to college life, campus resources, and essential skills for academic success. Students will develop strategies for effective time management and effective study habits and engage in activities to develop grit and resiliency. This course will take an experiential learning approach, engaging students in weekly class running and classroom instruction, culminating in a course capstone project that uniquely blends the two. Get ready to lace up your sneakers and hit the trails!

THURSDAY: 10:40 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 053 / Instructors: Gina Baldoni-Rus / George Rus / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

Course Meeting Dates: 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026 [Gateway Days] 08/20/2026 - 08/21/2026

Course Format: IN-PERSON

GPS Learning Community courses cover a wide range of topics related to a field of study or meta-major. Students in Learning Community courses are enrolled as a cohort (by scholarship, program, or residential housing). *Enrollment Permission Required. 

GPS Learning Community courses meet for a total of 15-weeks, including Gateway Days. Participation in Gateway Days is required.

GPS Learning Community courses are identified as:

Discipline Specific - These courses cover a wide range of topics related to a field of study or meta-major.

These courses do participate in Gateway Days. 

IN-PERSON

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. Both residential housing and commuter students welcome. 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: TBD  / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

Course Permission to Register is Required.

IN-PERSON

Reserved for residential housing students interested in Business -- Sports Management and PGA. Additional events and activities are incorporated into this course, along with co-curricular events, outside of class, designed to provide enrolled students with exposure to career exploration and skills needed to be successful both academically and professionally. 

THURSDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 27 / Instructors: Beckie Pyles Munoz / Jon Husby / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

Course Permission to Register is Required.

IN-PERSON

Reserved for residential housing students interested in Nursing and healthcare. Additional events and activities are incorporated into this course, along with co-curricular events, outside of class, designed to provide enrolled students with exposure to career exploration and skills needed to be successful both academically and professionally. 

FRIDAY: 1:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 054 / Instructors: Kimberly Humphrey/ Kiley Cahill/ 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days 

Course Permission to Register is Required.

IN-PERSON

*Enrollment Permission Required; Enrollment Required in Introduction to CJ.

MONDAY: 1:40 PM - 4:20 PM / Section 037 / Instructors: Juan San Augustin / Anna Kosloski/  John Newsome / 8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

Course Permission to Register is Required.

IN-PERSON

Plan a mission to Mars!! Are you interested in what goes into planning for a visit to Mars? In this class, residential housing and commuter students will discover the human factors inherent in long space missions, determine habitat, sustainable living in the harsh environment, discover the technical aspects to get humans to the planet and keep them there, understand the financial aspects of a huge space mission, and learn key aspects necessary for long-term habitation of Mars. We will build and launch rockets, explore aerodynamics, wind tunnels, and apply experimental principles to analyze problems and develop solutions for the mission.  We work in a team environment and you do not have to be technically savvy for the course!

WEDNESDAY: 10:50 AM - 1:30 PM / Section 011 / Instructors: Julie Albertson/ Peter Gordor/  8/20/2026 - 11/08/2026

This course participates in Gateway Days

Course Permission to Register is Required.