The Mission of GPS

Mission

The Mission of GPS

The Gateway Program Seminar (GPS) is an academic program designed to help students successfully adjust to university life. GPS serves as the foundation for the Compass Curriculum, the campus-wide general education program at UCCS.  Through GPS, students are exposed to interdisciplinary curriculum taught by experienced faculty from across campus to establish meaningful connections, cultivate an inclusive community, and create a sense of belonging from their first year at UCCS and beyond. 

There are four primary components of the GPS course including:

  • an interdisciplinary exploration of a course topic,
  • the intentional development of key academic skills,
  • linkage with university services, and
  • collaborative involvement with faculty and peers.
GPS Student Learning Outcomes

Completing the Gateway Program Seminar course, UCCS students will be able to:

  • Describe why a university education is important in the pursuit of personal and professional goals.
  • Act as a responsible, ethical college student through the use of intellectual curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, analytical reading, and listening skills
  • Act as a civil and responsible university citizen through the development of necessary civic, ethical, and social competencies.
  • Develop the self-advocacy skills to access personal, academic, professional and information technology support at UCCS.
  • Analyze, apply, and integrate knowledge and skills as they relate to the disciplinary focus of the GPS section.
  • Communicate effectively through writing to receive, comprehend, and convey information.
  • Communicate effectively through a prepared, purposeful individual or group presentation.
GPS Course Requirements - Meeting the GPS Learning Outcomes

All GPS courses will include the following components:

  • Reduced faculty-to-student ratio for increased engagement 
  • A core textbook and shared syllabus model for all GPS courses
  • Exploration of a disciplinary or interdisciplinary topic
  • Co-curricular activities to optimize faculty and student collaboration, engagement, and sense of belonging
  • A possible Peer Leader who will serve as a student mentor in and outside the GPS classroom
  • A written or oral capstone communication assignment with developmental supports
  • At least two campus connections activities designed to increase access, knowledge, and awareness of student support programs 
  • Instruction on information literacy that prepares students for personal, academic, technological, and professional success
  • Emphasis on academic and personal responsibility including the civic, ethical, and social competencies that are required of university students, including required participation in a service-learning project

 

 

Are you a Transfer Student?

Are you a transfer student with more than 30 Credit hours? You may be exempt from taking GPS 1010.

If this applies to you click here for the GPS Appeals Petition.