FINANCIAL AID
The MSCD financial aid program provides assistance and advice to students who would be unable to pursue their education at the College without such help. Scholarships, grants, loans and part-time employment are available singly or in various combinations to meet the difference between what the student and the student's family could reasonably be expected to provide and the expected cost of attending MSCD.

Estimated Expenses
The 2002-2003 academic year expenses will be as follows:

Tuition and fees are set by The State Colleges in Colorado and are subject to change without notice. All students are placed on a single-person budget. Additional allowances may be made for students with day-care costs for dependent children and for expenses related to disabilities not paid by another agency (P.L. 99-498).

Eligibility and Need
To qualify for financial aid, a student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; be registered with Selective Service (if required); have financial need; be degree-, licensure-, or certificate-seeking; be making satisfactory academic progress; and not be in default on a federal education loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant.

Application Procedures
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to determine financial aid eligibility. Entering college freshmen should obtain application forms from their high schools or from MSCD’s Office of Financial Aid. Most students who completed a 2001-02 FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA will receive a PIN (personal identification number) from the Federal Processor between November, 2001 and January, 2002. This PIN is used for completing the 2002-03 Renewal FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For quicker processing, we strongly recommend that returning, transferring and entering students complete their FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA on the Web at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Students should complete and submit the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA to the federal processor as early as possible (after January 1st), preferably no later than mid-February.

Detailed information concerning application procedures is provided in the Financial Aid Handbook and Scholarship Guide available in the MSCD Office of Financial Aid.

Financial Aid Programs
The amount of funds made available to students depends on the maximum award allowed by regulation of each program, the student's established financial need, duration of the student's enrollment, and funds allocated to the College by the state and federal governments.

Grants
Grants are gift money from the federal or state government and do not have to be repaid.

Federal Pell Grants are federal funds and awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet received a bachelor's degree and who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. The amount of the award is based on each student's financial eligibility and the number of hours for which the student is enrolled. The amount of Federal Pell Grant awards for the 2002-03 academic year will range from $400 to $4,000
for those students who qualify. Full-time, half-time, or less than half-time students may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are federal funds awarded to undergraduate students who have not yet received a bachelor's degree and are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. This grant is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional need. The amount of FSEOG awards range from $100 to $300 per fall and spring semesters.

Colorado State Grants (CSG) are state funds awarded to Colorado residents with demonstrated financial need. Eligible students have no prior bachelor's degree, are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, and are enrolled full- or part-time (at least six credit hours for the fall and spring semesters) at MSCD. The amount of the CSG award ranges from $100 to $800 per fall and spring semesters.

Colorado Leveraging Educational Assistance program (CLEAP) are a combination of federal and state funds awarded by the same criteria as CSG.

Scholarships
Students must be enrolled at least half-time, be degree-, certificate- or licensure-seeking, be making satisfactory academic progress, and not be in default on a federal education loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant to receive a scholarship. Deadline for the submission of the MSCD Scholarship Application is March 1 each year for the next academic year.

Presidential Scholarships: These scholarships include four-year scholarships for entering high school students and two-year scholarships for transfer students. This scholarship covers up to the cost of tuition and mandatory fees per semester for up to 15 credits.

Colorado Scholars Awards: Scholarships of up to $500 per semester, not exceeding the cost of resident tuition and mandatory fees per academic year, are available through the academic departments. Recipients must be Colorado residents. Students may not have a prior Bachelor’s degree. Interested students should contact their departments for applications.

Athletic Scholarships: MSCD has a limited number of athletic scholarships. Applications and additional information are available from the MSCD Intercollegiate Athletics Office.

Private Scholarships: Students should refer to the MSCD Financial Aid Handbook and Scholarship Guide for information regarding scholarships and the free online scholarship search.

Receipt of a scholarship may affect a student's financial aid award because students receiving federal and/or state aid are limited in the maximum amount of aid which can be received. A student whose full need has been met by other types of financial aid prior to receipt of a scholarship will have that aid reduced by the amount of the scholarship. If the student's full eligibility has not been met, the scholarship will be allowed to satisfy the unmet need. Each student's situation is treated individually. All scholarships are based on the student's continued eligibility and available funding.

Loans

Federal Perkins Loans are long-term federal loans that are awarded based on the student's need and MSCD's available funds. Federal Perkins Loan can range from $100 to $1,500 per semester. Repayment of the loan begins nine months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled in at least six credit hours each semester. The interest rate is 5 percent and interest begins to accrue at repayment. All first-time borrowers at MSCD are required to attend a Perkins Loan Entrance Interview before loan funds can be released to them.

Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) include Federal Stafford Loans, unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, and Federal PLUS Loans, which help students and/or their parents to borrow funds to help meet educational expenses. To borrow these funds, students and/or their parents must complete and submit, in addition to the FAFSA, a separate lender application to the MSCD Office of Financial Aid. Loan applications may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid or the lender of the student's choice. Students must be enrolled at least six credit hours each semester and be degree-, certificate- or licensure-seeking. Interest rates vary depending on the type of loan and the date the student borrows the first Federal Family Education Loan. For further information on interest rates, check with the MSCD Office of Financial Aid or the lender. First time borrowers at MSCD are required to attend a Loan Entrance Interview before loans funds can be released to them.

Federal Stafford Loans: Eligibility for the Federal Stafford Loan is based on the student's need as determined by the MSCD Office of Financial Aid. The annual loan limits are $2,625 for freshmen, $3,500 for sophomores and $5,500 for all other undergraduates. Interest does not begin to accrue until six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled in school at least half-time (six credit hours per semester).

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans: These loans have many of the same terms and conditions as the Federal Stafford Loan. The main difference is that the students are responsible for the interest that accrues while they are in school and during the six-month grace period after they graduate or cease to be enrolled in at least six credit hours. Students who do not qualify for a Federal Stafford Loan, based on need, may qualify for the unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Contact the MSCD Office of Financial Aid concerning annual loan limits.

Federal PLUS Loans: These loans are available to parents of dependent students. Applications are available from the MSCD Office of Financial Aid or from lenders that participate in the program. Applications must first be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid for processing. At MSCD, parents of dependent students may borrow up to the cost of education minus the amount of financial aid received by the student from other sources each year.

Please refer to the MSCD Financial Aid Handbook and Scholarship Guide for more detailed information regarding loans.

College Work-Study
The State of Colorado, the federal government and MSCD provide part-time employment programs for students. The maximum work-study award is $2,500 per semester. The maximum hours a student may work is 30 hours per week while classes are in session and 40 hours per week between semesters. Students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester to receive a work-study award. The majority of all work-study awards are need-based, however, there are a limited number of positions offered directly through various departments/offices on campus that are no-need awards.

The Financial Aid Package
Once student eligibility is determined, an aid package is developed based on the availability of funds and the eligibility of the applicant. To facilitate financial aid packaging requirements, applicants must obtain all requested information and forms from designated sources and submit them to the MSCD Office of Financial Aid before the established deadline.

Award Notification
After the Office of Financial Aid has determined the type and amount of aid for which a student qualifies (aid package), the student is mailed an Award Notification. The Award Notification and enclosed information stipulate the conditions of each award.

Disbursement Procedures:

• Awards are based on full-time enrollment. If a student is enrolled for less than 12 credit hours each semester, the award may be reduced/prorated. The final award adjustment occurs on census date (about the 12th day of school each fall and spring semester and the 8th day of the summer semester).
• Grants, Scholarships and Student Loans: All financial aid awards (with the exception of out-of-state loan checks, consortium checks and some scholarship funds) are disbursed into the student's account. The Business Office deducts any outstanding balance owed, including current tuition and fees, and issues a check for the remaining funds. This check is either mailed to the student or the student can pick it up at the Cashier’s Office. This check can be used to purchase books and pay other educationally related expenses.
• Parent Loans: Federal PLUS checks are mailed from lenders to MSCD's Office of Financial Aid. Eligibility is verified and then the check is mailed to the parent borrower.
• Work Study: Work-study earnings are paid bi-weekly and are treated as wages earned. Outstanding balances owed to MSCD are not deducted from these earnings; however, students are strongly advised to pay any outstanding balance as soon as a work-study check is received.
  Please refer to the MSCD Financial Aid Guide and Scholarhip Application for information regarding pro-ration of aid disbursements.

Repayment Policy
Students who receive financial aid and withdraw from MSCD prior to completion of a term may be required to repay a portion of financial aid and scholarships. All required financial aid repayments must be made to MSCD before the end of the current academic year or before additional Title IV funds can be disbursed to the student, whichever occurs first. Repayment is made to the MSCD Business Office. Please refer to the Class Schedule for more specific information.

Financial Aid as a Form of Payment
Please refer to the current Class Schedule for information regarding payment of tuition and fees with awarded aid.

SERVICES AND PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS

Academic Advising
At MSCD students are provided multiple sources of academic advising support. Continuing students with declared majors receive advising assistance from their academic departments. New students and students without declared majors receive advising support from the Academic Advising Center, CN 104. Services available to students in the Center include the following: assistance with course selection, scheduling and registration; help with long-term degree planning; identification of degree enhancement strategies; and ongoing developmental advising, including assistance with the major-minor selection process, adjustment to college, etc. For additional information call 303-556-3680.

Alumni Relations
Located in the Administration Building, the Office of Alumni Relations works with the College, the Alumni Association and the MSCD Foundation, Inc., to provide services and support to all alumni and students. Services include: career development, health insurance programs, discount internet, MSCD credit card, alumni directory and numerous volunteer/mentoring opportunities.

The Alumni Association, Inc., is committed to advancing the College's welfare by creating and maintaining a spirit of fellowship and goodwill among all alumni and to encourage alumni involvement with the College. The MSCD Alumni Association's mission is “to cultivate relationships, motivate participation and create opportunities for a continuous connection among the College, its alumni and the community.”

Inquire about participation with the Alumni Association, the ASK (Alumni Sharing Knowledge) Real-World Career Counseling Program, the ADVANCE Admissions Recruitment Program or other programs to connect with the College and MSCD alumni. If you are interested in linking up with a Metropolitan State College of Denver alumnus/a in your degree area, or are interested in one of the Alumni Relations programs, contact the Alumni Relations Office at 303-556-8320 or visit our web site at: www.mscd.edu/alumni.htm.

Auraria Campus Police and Security
The Campus Police and Security Division is fully certified and authorized to provide police services to the Auraria campus and is proud to maintain its reputation as one of the safest in the state.

In addition to a police chief and 20 full time officers, the Campus Police and Security Division employs state certified security officers and communication personnel. Officers patrol the campus 24 hours per day, seven days per week, on foot, bicycles or golf carts, and in patrol cars.

The Campus Police and Security Division also provides additional services to the campus community such as vehicle unlocks, crime prevention programs, emergency responses.

The Campus Police and Security Division is located at 1201 Fifth Street. Routine calls–303-556-3271; EMERGENCY CALLS–911 (or use one of the many emergency phones located around campus).

Auraria Child Care Center
The center provides high quality early childhood care and education to the children of students, staff and faculty. A discovery, child-oriented approach is provided by a professional teaching staff to children ages 12 months to 6 years. Preregistration is required. Please call 303-556-3188 for information.

Auraria Parking and Transportation Services Parking Services Department
Daily Fee Parking: (in-and-out privileges in Lot E only): daily fees range from $1.50 to $10.00. Several lots are unattended and require purchasing a receipt from the vending machine. Make sure the parking receipt is placed face-up on the driver’s side of the dashboard. Receipts are valid only on the day and in the lot where purchased and are not transferable from one vehicle to another. With an Auraria I.D., parking is available in the Tivoli lot for a maximum fee of $5.00.

Permit Parking: Parking permits are available on a semester basis. They go on sale on the first day of registration. Contact the Parking Office at 303-556-2000 for more information.

Motorist Assistance Program: Personnel will help jump-start dead batteries and assist in changing tires. Jumper cables, bumper jacks, tire tools and gasoline cans are also available at no cost to campus parkers. Call 303-556-2000 for assistance. The Parking Services Department is located at 777 Lawrence Way (first floor of the parking garage). Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Handivan Services: The wheelchair-accessible handivan provides free on-campus transportation for students, faculty and staff from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday -Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

Nightrider: The Nightrider is a free security escort service for any campus parking lot. Service is available from dusk to 10:00 p.m., Monday–Thursday during fall and spring semesters.

Career Services
The Office of Career Services assists students, alumni, faculty, and staff in developing, evaluating, and implementing career plans. Specific services include career assessments online; employment workshops addressing resume writing, job search strategies, and interviewing skills; and MonsterTRAK, which allows students and alumni to utilize the Internet for many job search needs, including networking, posting resumes and cover letters, and search for jobs, among other services.

Career fairs and employer forums are offered during the fall and spring terms. The events are coordinated collaboratively with employers, student organizations, faculty, staff, and a consortia of colleges and universities.

The Career Library, in CN 203, has computers that are available to clients for career-related use. Both print and electronic resources are offered such as directories and online employer profiles, job vacancies, salary surveys, job profiles, and graduate school information. Each computer contains software programs that include Microsoft Word, the United Way Database (listing of non-profit employers), and an extensive computerized career information system which offers occupational information based on employment characteristics of Colorado and the nation.

For assistance, call 303-556-3664 or log on the website http://www.mscd.edu/~career.

Center for the Visual Arts
Located off campus in the heart of LoDo, the Center for the Visual Arts was created in 1990 by Metro to serve the College and the Rocky Mountain region. Open all year, the Center organizes and hosts exhibitions of culturally diverse artists of national and international significance, which would otherwise be unavailable to the College community and state populace. Past exhibitions have included works by Picasso, Ansel Adams, Romare Bearden and the diverse art of Haiti, West Africa, Australia and Japan. The Center hosts Metro's Senior Thesis exhibition featuring the works of the College's most outstanding art students every year and a biannual exhibition of the Metro art faculty.

Education and community outreach is an important facet of the Center with more than 6,000 students and 25,000 members of the general public visiting the Center each year. Visitors can take advantage of the many lectures, tours and workshops available in conjunction with the exhibitions. An outreach program, providing art workshops and activities for Denver's at-risk youth is another element of the Center's education program and commitment to community involvement. Work-study positions, internships and volunteer opportunities are only a few ways that Metro students can become involved at the Center. The Metropolitan State College of Denver Center for the Visual Arts is located at 1734 Wazee Street, Denver, CO 80202; Telephone: 303-294-5207, Fax: 303-294-5210; www.mscd.edu/news/cva.

Child Development Center
The Child Development Center provides exemplary, on-campus children's programs. During the fall and spring semesters, the center offers pre-school programs; in the summer it provides a Summer Enrichment Program for elementary age children. Available to the Auraria campus and to the Denver community, these programs are part of the College's teacher education program.

The classrooms are under the direction of master teachers who are trained and experienced in either early childhood or elementary education. The master teachers plan an age-appropriate program to provide quality learning experiences that meet the developmental needs of the children. MSCD teacher education students also work in the classroom providing a high adult/child ratio with opportunities for small groups and individual attention.

The preschool program is accredited by the National Academy for Early Childhood Education. There are two preschool classes available: 8:30–11:15 a.m. for children 2 1/2 to 4 years old and 12:30–3:15 p.m. for children 4 to 6 years old. There is also child care available before and after each preschool class: 7:30–8:30 a.m., 11:15–12:30 p.m., and 3:15–6:00 p.m.

The Summer Enrichment Program is academic in content, but recognizes children's needs for fun and different learning experiences in summer. There are two classrooms: one for children entering first or second grade in the fall and one for children entering third or fourth grade in the fall. There is a Day Program from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and an Extended Program from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:15 to 6 p.m. Call 303-556-2759 for more information.

Combined Computer Access Center
The Combined Computer Access Center (CCAC) assists and trains students with disabilities to minimize the impact of their disabilities, while accessing the computer keyboard and monitor. The goal of the CCAC is to help students with disabilities achieve academic goals, attain vocational goals and improve employability through the use of adaptive technology. The CCAC serves students with all types of disabilities, including, but not limited to: blindness, low vision, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, neurological disabilities and orthopedic disabilities. The Combined Computer Access Center is located in the Auraria Library, room 115, 303-556-6252. (See Disability Support Services.)

Counseling Center
The Counseling Center staff provides services to currently enrolled Metropolitan State College students at no additional charge beyond student fees. The staff is ethnically and culturally diverse. Services include personal therapy, support groups, stress management, and crisis intervention. The Center also coordinates an active Peer Education Program. Students may request an appointment for their first visit in advance. Follow-up appointments are made to accommodate class schedules. The staff also provides consultations to faculty, staff, and student groups upon request. Faculty are encouraged to invite Counseling Center staff to address mental health issues in their classes. The Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For additional information call 303-556-3132. We are located in Tivoli 651.

Disability Support Services
Advocacy and support services are provided through the Office of Disability Support Services located in room 177 of the Arts Building. Services include but are not limited to: priority registration, assistance in identifying notetakers, alternative testing, access to assistive technology, referrals to outside service agencies, sign language interpreters and assistance with any general needs or concerns. Students with special needs are encouraged to utilize these services. For assistance or information, please call 303- 556-8387 (voice) or 303-556-8484 (TDD). (See Combined Computer Access Center.)

Extended Campus
Fully accredited courses, as well as orientation and assessment testing, are offered at two convenient locations in the Denver metro area: Metro South, 5660 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Englewood, 303-721-1313 and Metro North, 11990 Grant Street, Northglenn, 303-450-5111. Extended Campus offers evening, weekend and accelerated classes. In addition, it offers a variety of formats including telecourses, online courses and correspondence courses. Extended Campus schedules are available each semester.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans Student Services at Auraria
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans (GLBT) Student Services is open to all Auraria students as a resource for exploring sexual orientation issues. This program offers a variety of support, education and advocacy services for the entire campus community:

• support for members of the campus community who may have questions about their own sexual orientation or that of a friend or family member
• advocacy for students experiencing discrimination or harassment based on a real or perceived gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans identity
• speakers for events, workshops and classes on various aspects of sexual orientation
• training programs and workshops about combatting homophobia and working with the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered communities more effectively
• library of books, videos and resource files available for research and leisure
• events such as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans Awareness Month and other forums providing information and dialogue about gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans issues

The GLBT Student Services office is located in the Tivoli Student Union, room 311, and is staffed by a director with the support of student employees and volunteers. Input and involvement from the entire campus community is welcomed. For additional information call 303-556-6333 or visit www.glbtss.org.

Health Center at Auraria
All MSCD students are entitled to medical services at the Health Center. Student health insurance is NOT required to use the Health Center. Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and medical assistants staff the facility. Students will be asked to complete a sign-in sheet and show a current semester ID card each time they check in.

Services include treatment of illness and injuries, lab testing, medications, physicals, annual GYN exams, sexually transmitted disease information/testing, birth control information/services, minor surgery, cholesterol screening, immunizations, HIV testing, blood pressure checks, casting, suturing and X-ray. Payment is required at the time of service except for students who participate in the Student Health Insurance Program.

Walk-in services begin at 8 a.m., Monday–Friday. Access is on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-in access varies daily, contingent upon when all patient slots have been filled; thus, the daily closure time for walk-in care is variable. Patients are encouraged to check in as early as possible. The Health Center at Auraria is located in the Plaza Building, room 150, on the lower level. Brochures with additional information are available at the Health Center or go to our website at http://www.mscd.edu/student /resources/health/. For further details call 303-556-2525.

High School Upward Bound
This program is designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in and beyond high school for youths who are low-income and first-generation college-bound students. The program provides intensive academic instruction during the school year, as well as a six-week summer session. A full range of academic skill preparation in reading, writing, and mathematics is part of a comprehensive counseling and enrichment program. Upon completion of their high school studies, program participants are enrolled in the Upward Bound Bridge Program, prior to pursuing their full-time postsecondary studies at an institution of their choice and ability. This program develops creative thinking, effective expression and positive attitudes toward learning. The students are recruited at the beginning of their sophomore year in high school from five target-area high schools located in Denver County (East, Lincoln, Manual, North, and West High School). For additional information call 303-556-2812.

Immigrant Services
The Immigrant Services Program provides assistance to students whose first language is not English. The program offers intensive academic and personal advising, assessment, tutoring, assistance with the financial aid application process, and monitors student progress. Because the program does not offer ESL classes, students with limited English proficiency are referred to the appropriate curricula. For more information call 303-556-3676.

Informational Technology
Information Technology at Metropolitan State College of Denver provides students with the opportunity to use the most current technology either on campus or from home. Metropolitan State College of Denver offers 30 computer laboratories for use by all current students. The software in laboratories range from specializing in computer graphics to the most current engineering software. Information on the location and operating hours of student labs is available in the current class schedule or at www.mscd.edu/~complabs. MSCD students needing adaptive equipment or additional assistance with technology due to a disability can visit the Combined Computer Access Center (CCAC), Library room 115. The CCAC lab currently has software to assist students with hearing, learning, visual and orthopedic disabilities. Further information is available at http://www. cudenver.edu/public/ccac/index.html; 303-556-2400 (General Information).

The MSCD homepage (http://www.mscd.edu) provides many online services for students including:

• online registration
• online admissions
• orientation and assessment
• financial aid
• records
• course catalog, and
• class schedules

RESPONSIBLE USE POLICY
Before any student receives an email account, they are required to read and agree to the Responsible Use of Technology Resources Policy. This policy is in place to protect all students, faculty, and staff, as well as the stability of the computing environment. It is important to be familiar with the terms of the Responsible Use Policy as misuse of computing resources may include suspension of computing privileges, referral to an appropriate authority on campus and referral to a law enforcement agency. Disciplinary action by the College may include suspension, expulsion and requirements to make financial restitution. The policy is listed in the student handbook and online at www.mscd.edu/infotech/policies/itpolicy2.htm.

Information Technology at MSCD is committed to providing students with the best possible computing service on campus and from home. Assistance is available in the student labs.

Institute for International and Intercultural Education
The College provides assistance to visiting faculty and international students. Important information and counseling is offered on visas, school transfers, work permission, housing, banking, and cultural and academic adaptation. The office also provides assistance to students who wish to arrange individualized study-abroad opportunities. The institute organizes numerous conferences and lectures on international issues throughout the year.

The institute also provides information on cross-disciplinary individualized degree major and minor programs in international studies, international courses offered by various departments, and intercultural courses. For information, contact the director of International and Intercultural Education at 303-556-4004.

Metro North and Metro South
Please see Extended Campus.

Student Finance Resource Center (SFRC)
The Student Finance Resource Center offers the following services and professional development opportunities:

• emergency student loans
• individual budgeting sessions
• financial planning and debt counseling seminars
• student travel grants

The SFRC is committed to providing students with the means to solve temporary and long-term financial problems by guiding and educating them on personal finances (i.e., budgeting, debt counseling, financial planning, and emergency funding). The Student Travel Program offers travel grants to clubs, student organizations, and individual students attending and/or presenting papers at professional conferences and educational events within the domestic United States. Additional information and applications are available in the Program office located in Tivoli 311 (303-556-3559) or access forms online at www.mscd.edu/student/resources/sfrc.

Student Intervention Services
Student Intervention Services (SIS) monitors and tracks three cohorts of the student population at MSCD. SIS assists and serves all students who are admitted by the alternative admissions’ process. Our goal is to assist the student to be successful by providing comprehensive and individualized services that will lead to improved student retention. The second cohort of students tracked are the students whose cumulative GPA has fallen below a 2.0 for one, two or three semesters. Students are notified by mail of their status, and encumbrances are placed on their registration. SIS also coordinates the Early Warning System, providing mid-term grade assessments, support and referral services to students. For those students who are in academic difficulty, SIS provides an in-depth strategy for success including assistance with graduation plans, scheduling, advising and referrals. The office is located in Central Classroom Building, Room 102, 303-556-4048.

Student Legal Services at Auraria
Student Legal Services at Auraria is a student-fee funded program that serves registered students from The Metropolitan State College of Denver, the University of Colorado at Denver and the Community College of Denver. The program is staffed by licensed attorneys who assist students with landlord-tenant problems, criminal prosecutions, traffic/DUI cases and family/domestic issues. Specifically, the attorneys engage in a problem-solving process with the student to develop and explore various legal strategies and options. If a case requires legal representation and/or is beyond the expertise of the program's attorneys, the office will provide to the student information about community resources that may provide legal representation either on a no-cost or low-cost basis, depending upon the substantive area and the availability of attorneys. Because the program's budget only allows for 50 hours per week of the attorneys’ time, the office should be contacted to ensure an office visit or phone interview. Please note:
this office is unable to advise on issues arising between students or involving any of the three institutions as this creates a conflict of interest. The attorneys can neither represent the student nor make a court appearance on the student's behalf. The office is not staffed to respond to emergencies. More information is available at the Tivoli Student Union, room 262, or call 303-556-6061.

Student Support Services Program
The Student Support Services program is designed to improve the retention and graduation rates of first generation, low–income students, and students with disabilities at Metro. Students enrolled in the program receive tutoring, personal counseling, academic advising, assistance in obtaining financial aid, and opportunities to participate in cultural activities. The program also provides educational and graduate school workshops, computer assisted instruction and basic skills instruction in reading, writing, math, and science, and monitors students academic progress for various scholarship programs such as the PaceSetter Scholarship, the Janus/PaceSetter Scholarship, the Reisher Scholarship, and the Governor’s Opportunity Scholarship. The Office of Student Support Services is located in Central Classroom 201. For more information call 303-556-4722.

Summer Bridge Program
The Summer Bridge Program, managed by the Student Development Center, facilitates the transition and prepares first-time college students for their freshman year at The Metropolitan State College of Denver. The program provides an opportunity for students to get a head start on their college education and become familiar with the college experience on the Auraria Campus. Students receive a scholarship for tuition and fees for two college-level courses. Additionally, students have an opportunity to participate in enrichment workshops and activities that further encourage their connection to MSCD. The goal of the Summer Bridge Program is to provide students with the tools and strategies that will maximize their chances for academic success and personal growth and development. The office is located in the St. Francis Center on the second floor, room 7. For information call 303-556-4023.

The Spring International Language Center at Auraria
Intensive English classes at the Spring International Language Center focus on all language skills: grammar, reading, writing and listening/speaking, in addition to special electives that students can choose each term, such as TOEFL preparation, vocabulary building and pronunciation. Five nine-week terms are offered throughout the year to enable students to complete their English study quickly. Students are placed at one of the six levels, with standardized evaluation tests at the completion of each level. Spring International Language Center is located on the fourth floor of the Tivoli Student Union, Room 454. For more information call 303-534-1616.

Tivoli Student Union
The Tivoli Student Union, managed by Student Auxiliary Services, is the heart of campus service and social activities. The Student Union houses Student Government, Activities and Life offices as well as the newspaper offices for the Community College of Denver, Metro State, and the University of Colorado at Denver. Other MSCD offices located here include Metro Athletics, the Counseling Center, New Student Orientation, Testing and Assessment, Veterans Upward Bound and the UCD Career Counseling Center. You will also find the tri-institutional office of Legal Services and the GLBT at the Student Union.

Additional student services at the Tivoli Student Union include the Auraria Campus Bookstore, Campus Computers, the Club Hub, Click’s Copy Center, Conference Services, and the ID Program and Commuter Resource Center. Conference Services, located in Room 325, will help you make arrangements for meeting space in the Tivoli as well as outdoor table rentals.

If you want a break or a quiet place to study, the Tivoli Student Union is just the place. With a wide variety of food venues you will find a place to suit your appetite, schedule, and budget. If you would rather retreat, you can watch TV in the Roger Braun Student Lounge, play a game of pool at Sigi’s Pool Hall and Arcade, meet a study group in the multicultural lounge or study in total silence in the Garage Quite Study Lounge.

For more information about the Tivoli Student Union, call 303-556-6330.

Tutoring Program
The Tutoring Program provides free tutoring assistance to all students enrolled at the Metropolitan State College of Denver in an effort to promote academic success. The program is structured to accommodate the needs of culturally diverse students. Students may be referred to the Tutoring Program by an instructor or can seek assistance on their own. Trained peer tutors will help students reach their educational goals. Group and individualized tutoring is available. The office is located in the St. Francis Center on the second floor, 303-556-6439 or 303-556-4054.

Veterans Services
The Veterans Services Office assists students in procuring their GI Bill entitlement. The Veterans Services Office acts as the liaison between the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the veteran/dependent student. Different VA classifications provide different types of entitlement. Student veterans/dependents may be eligible for tutorial assistance, VA work-study, advance payment, emergency student loans, etc. The office also certifies and tracks the academic progress of entitled veterans. If there are any questions or problems regarding eligibility, payment, tutoring, etc., please speak with a representative in CN 105 or call 303-556-2993.

Veterans Upward Bound
The Veterans Upward Bound is a federally funded GED/college preparatory program designed to provide academic refresher training and advising to qualifying veterans who are pursuing a GED certificate and/or are preparing to enter post-secondary education. Academic instruction is available in the subject areas of English, mathematics, science, social studies, computer literacy and foreign language. This program is also an opportunity for veterans to re-establish fundamental ideas and study habits which are prerequisites for successful performance at the post-secondary educational level. Additionally, Veterans Upward Bound provides access to academic resources, employment referrals, assistance with VA benefits applications, and referrals to various community assistance organizations.

Women's Services
The Institute for Women's Studies and Services is committed to the empowerment of women through education. To help students have a positive college experience, women's services provides referrals to campus and community resources, information about scholarships, assistance with the process of entering MSCD, advocacy services for students dealing with harassment or discrimination, and programs and events that focus on issues of particular concern to women. The institute houses a small library with a variety of books and other resource materials on women's experiences, histories and contributions to society. Students who need assistance should make an appointment with the associate director of the Institute for Women's Studies and Services.

Writing Center
The Writing Center staff of composition instructors and trained writing tutors is committed to working with students in developing their writing abilities. Tutors help students identify problem areas and provide instruction on how to eliminate them. Through one-on-one instruction, tutors teach students to generate, organize, and develop ideas; to revise and edit with confidence; and to handle issues of format and documentation. For more information contact the Writing Center at 303-556-6070.

STUDENT LIFE
The Office of Student Life offers students a wide range of services and programs designed to enhance classroom experiences and encourage campus involvement. Services include Judicial Affairs, Student Problem Action Network (SPAN); Student Activities; student clubs and organizations; Student Publications; Counseling Center; Campus Recreation; Health Center at Auraria; Student Legal Services at Auraria; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Trans Student Services; Student Government Assembly (SGA) , New Student Orientation and the Student Finance Resource Center. These student-fee-funded programs exist to provide a diverse range of experiences in leadership development and programs that encourage cultural, recreational, educational, and social interaction. The Office of Student Life is located in the Tivoli Student Union, room 311. Our web site is http://www.mscd.edu/~studlife/.

Student Affairs Board (SAB) - The Student Affairs Board enables students to have a continuous voice in the use and allocation of their student fees. The SAB is comprised of student, faculty and administrative representatives.

Student Problem Action Network (SPAN) - The SPAN Program helps students resolve problems on campus. This program involves trained advisors who can assist students in defining their problem, formulate a strategy of reaching a solution, and inform them about the institutional process for resolving the issue. This program is part of the judicial affairs area and is staffed by volunteer faculty and campus personnel. For additional information, please refer to the Student Handbook or come to the Tivoli, room 311.

Student Activities
The Office of Student Activities provides opportunities for student development and growth through a variety of programs that link students' academic lives with their lives outside the classroom. Student Activities' programs are educational, cultural, social and recreational, and give students an opportunity to enhance their social responsibility and leadership skills.

Student Activities has four distinct functions to help students get connected and involved in campus life: programs, events and co-curricular opportunities; student organization services; Metro Cool (service learning); and leadership education. These functions are designed to:

1. enlighten, stimulate and entertain the campus community,
2. promote student self-worth and dignity,
3. develop self-confidence,
4. help students become better prepared for life-long learning and increased organizational and social complexity,
5. teach students fiscal responsibility,
6. provide developmental experiences for students to help them take responsibility for program and service delivery, and
7. teach responsible citizenship and an ethic that encourages responsible social action.

The office is located in the Tivoli Student Union, room 305, 303-556-2595. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Student Government Assembly
Through channels of advocacy and outreach with faculty and administration, the Student Government Assembly (SGA) members work with and on behalf of individual students and the MSCD student population as a whole to ensure that students’ voices are heard and that the best interest of all students is considered. SGA members are committed to enhancing opportunities for student involvement and success in their campus life. The SGA office is located in the Tivoli Student Union, suite 307, 303-556-3312.

Student Publications
The student newspaper, The Metropolitan, is published by the Office of Student Publications, Tivoli, room 313, 303-556-2507. The newspaper offers students the opportunity to explore fields such as journalism, web page design, advertising sales, video and audio production, marketing, graphic arts, photography, business and accounting through work experience. The Metropolitan and companion web site, Metropolitan Online, are written by and for MSCD students. Both are published weekly during the fall and spring semesters and monthly during the summer semester. Students interested in working on the paper or web site should contact the student editor at 303-556-8353.

Metrosphere is the annual student literary and arts publication and is distributed each spring semester. It contains poetry, fiction, nonfiction, art, photography and graphics. The Metrosphere also produces an interactive multimedia CD-ROM containing further art, poetry and writing. It is written, composed and produced entirely by students. Submissions are accepted during the fall semester. Copies are distributed free to students and are available in Tivoli room 313. For more information, call the student editor at 303-556-3940.

A weekly streaming video news program, Met On-Air, is broadcast from the Office of Student Publications. Plans are under way for a campus webcast radio station, Met Radio. To volunteer for Met On-Air or Met Radio, call 303-556-2507 or stop by Tivoli 313.

The office also produces the Student Handbook and provides graphic art services at reduced costs to on-campus offices, departments, organizations and individuals. To access all online student publications, go to http://www.mscd.edu/~themet.

Campus Recreation
The Campus Recreation at Auraria program is among the most affordable ways that students have found to enjoy themselves, and it is among the best recreation programs offered in Colorado. The program is composed of the Drop-In Program (informal recreation), Intramurals, Club Sports, Outdoor Adventure and the Physically Challenged Program. Student membership is free with a current, validated student ID.

The Drop-in Program provides group and individual activities for students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests. Facilities include four basketball courts, 12 tennis courts, volleyball courts, a 25-yard indoor pool, eight handball/racquetball courts, two squash courts, a weightroom, a fitness center, a dance studio, a baseball field, softball fields and a track. In addition, Campus Recreation offers high- and low-impact aerobics, step aerobics and aqua aerobics daily. The Drop-in Program also offers a new instructional component, Healthy Lifestyles, which consists of a variety of noncredit instructional workshops, clinics and seminars. Check the Drop-in Program schedule in room 108 of the Physical Education Building or call 303-556-3210 for a listing of available times.

The Intramural Program consists of individual and team activities open to all students, faculty and staff members. The emphasis of the program is on participation, sportsmanship and social interaction. Whenever possible, competitive and recreational divisions are offered to ensure participation for all ability levels. Activities include flag football, basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, racquetball and squash leagues, as well as tennis and golf tournaments.

Club Sports provides students, faculty and staff members the opportunity to develop their individual athletic abilities in an organized group setting. The present clubs, which are all student initiated, include aikido, fencing, men's lacrosse, men and women's rugby, men's volleyball, coed waterpolo, badminton, ski/snowbashers and tai chi.

Outdoor Adventure provides the opportunity to experience the beauty and challenge of nature through organized trips. The program provides outdoor recreational experiences emphasizing skill acquisition, social interaction, environmental awareness and safety. Some of the many adventures offered are biking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, family-fun outings, hiking, ice climbing, kayaking/rafting, naturalist outings, rock climbing and sailing. The program also provides rental equipment, including camping and hiking gear, canoes, cross-country skis, mountain bikes and roller blades. The office is located in the basement of the Events Center.

The Physically Challenged Program offers a variety of sporting, recreational, and fitness opportunities for students with physical or learning limitations. The adaptive programs/services encompass one-on-one or group sessions that assist in using the recreational facility. Information on planned group activities or individual help sessions is available in the Events Center, room 108, 303-556-3210.

Intercollegiate Athletics
The Intercollegiate Athletics program plays an integral role in campus life at The Metropolitan State College of Denver. MSCD offers 10 intercollegiate sports programs: baseball, men's basketball, women's basketball, men's soccer, women's soccer, men's swimming and diving, women's swimming and diving, men's tennis, women's tennis and women's volleyball.

The teams, nicknamed the Roadrunners, compete at the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Roadrunners are members of the 14-member Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC), which was founded in 1909 and features modest-sized schools with limited athletic budgets.

Scholarships are available for each of the 10 intercollegiate sports. They are disbursed by individual coaches on the basis of merit, athletic ability and team needs. Scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis.

The Intercollegiate Athletics Office is located in the Tivoli Student Union, room 355, 303-556-8300.

ALTERNATIVE CREDIT OPTIONS

Credit for Prior Learning
Successful completion of national examinations, departmental examinations, completion of a prior learning portfolio, or assessment of nonaccredited training programs through published guides, may be used to award credit or may permit placement in advanced courses. A student may earn up to 60 semester hours of credit toward degree requirements using prior learning credit options. This credit will be posted to the student's record after the completion of 8 semester hours of residency credit. Prior learning credit may not be used toward the last 12 semester hours of a degree program, does not substitute for residency requirements, and cannot be used to challenge prerequisite courses for courses already completed. Students are advised that letter grades are not assigned for such credit, and some institutions may not accept transfer credits that do not include letter grades. Additional information is available from the offices indicated in each section below and from the Center for Individualized Learning, Central Classroom 106, 303-556-8342.

Advanced Placement Examinations
Students who have performed satisfactorily in special college-level courses while in high school, and who have passed appropriate advanced placement examinations conducted by the College Entrance Examination Board, may have official AP scores submitted directly to the Office of Admissions for consideration for college credit. This office, in consultation with the appropriate department chair, determines the amount and nature of the credit and/or advanced placement granted. AP credit is awarded after the completion of eight credit hours at MSCD. (See following chart.)

Course Credit Awards For Advanced Placement Exams

International Baccalaureate
MSCD recognizes the greater potential for success of international baccalaureate students. Accordingly, academic departments may award credit for demonstrated proficiency on a case-by-case basis. Students who have international baccalaureate results at the higher level may have an official transcript sent directly to the Office of Admissions for consideration for college credit.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP consists of a series of national standardized examinations. They are designed to evaluate nonaccredited college-level learning in order to award credit for successful demonstration of this knowledge.

Based on the results of one or more of the following examinations: English composition with essay, humanities, natural sciences, college mathematics and social science/history, the College may award up to a maximum of 24 semester hours of credit in the freshman General Studies requirement areas. Thus, the successful student may test out of many of the traditional courses required during the freshman year. Students are advised to check with their major departments for information on specific General Studies requirements that may not be met by CLEP examinations. MSCD does not allow CLEP credit for ENG 1020, the Freshman Composition: Analysis, Research and Documentation course.

Thirty (30) semester hours of credit may also be awarded under the remaining approved examinations, making a total of 54 semester hours of credit obtainable under a combination of the two series of examinations.

• Credit earned through the English composition with essay, humanities, natural sciences, social sciences/history, and college mathematics examinations may be applied only to General Studies requirements. Credit earned through the other approved examinations may apply to any required course work unless otherwise stated.
• Credit earned will be entered on the student's transcript with the title of the examination(s), without reference to a specific MSCD course(s). CLEP examinations are recorded without reference to a letter grade and are not figured into the student's GPA. Credit earned through CLEP examinations does not count towards residency credit requirements, and therefore, may not be awarded as part of the last twelve credit hours applicable to a degree.
• Credit earned through CLEP examinations will not be recorded on the student's permanent record until the student has earned 8 hours in residency credit at MSCD.
• In order to evaluate CLEP examination or military examination (DANTES) results, the student should have a copy of the official score report sent to the following address: The Metropolitan State College of Denver; Office of Admissions, ATTN: Transfer Evaluation; Campus Box 16; P.O. Box 173362; Denver, CO. 80217-3362.
• All CLEP examinations will be subject to the statement of policy in place at the time the scores are submitted, not the policy in place at the time the examination was taken.
• Credit awarded through CLEP examinations at other colleges or universities will be re-evaluated at MSCD according to the MSCD policy in place at the time the test scores are submitted. Students are advised to have an official copy of their score(s) sent to MSCD in order to have that credit evaluated.
• MSCD will not grant credit for a CLEP examination if prior to the semester the exam is taken, a student has completed, or was enrolled in, college courses equivalent to, or more advanced than, the subject material of the exam. Credit will not be recorded on a student's permanent record until all official transcripts from other regionally accredited colleges and universities attended by the student have been received and evaluated by the Office of Admissions.
• Any exception to these policies must be approved through the Board on Academic Standards Exceptions (B.A.S.E.). Information about filing an appeal through B.A.S.E. is available from the Office of Academic Affairs.
  w Failure to achieve the required score(s) listed will not be entered on the permanent record. However, a copy of the CLEP score report will be retained in the student's file.
• Any examination may be repeated 6 months after the date of the previous examination.

For advising assistance with CLEP examinations and information about other prior learning credit options such as departmental credit by examination and portfolio assessment, students may contact the Center for Individualized Learning, CN 106, 303-556-8342. Additional information about the content and format of CLEP examinations is available through the College Board web site at http://www.collegeboard.org/clep. Examinations may be taken through the Community College of Denver Test Center, 303-556-3810, South Classroom Building 232. Other official testing centers within the metropolitan area and within Colorado can be found through the College Board web site listed above.

1. Although the examinations are essentially independent, where there is overlap between examinations, credit may be obtained by completing only one of the two overlapping examinations.
   
2. If during or subsequent to the semester the exam is taken, the student earns credit in a course(s) in column 5 of the table that lists examinations accepted at MSCD, the credit value of the course(s) will be subtracted from the corresponding CLEP credit previously awarded.
   
3. The Psychology Department does not allow CLEP credit toward the total number of semester hours required for a Psychology major or minor; extra course work is necessary to make up the difference. However, CLEP can count toward the degree. These two examinations will not count toward General Studies requirements.
   

Attainment Examinations
Any student may take attainment examinations in some departments for the purpose of waiving specific graduation requirements. Passing such an examination, although not reducing the number of credits required for graduation, entitles students to substitute their own choice for the required subject. The examination is approximately the equivalent of the final examination in the course.

Departmental Course Examinations
A department may grant a student credit for college courses for which the student requests and passes appropriate examinations. The charge for each credit hour requested is one-half the in-state tuition for one credit hour, and must be paid prior to taking the examination. A maximum of 30 semester hours of credit may be awarded through departmental credit by examination. Credit through departmental examination is based on knowledge equivalent to a regular course offered the the College. (Omnibus-numbered courses are excluded.) Permission for departmental credit by examination must be obtained in advance from the instructor giving the examination, the department chair, and the appropriate dean.

To earn credit by examination, a student must be currently enrolled in good standing in a degree or certificate program at the College. Credit by examination may not be counted as part of the last 12 credit hours of a degree program unless it is approved by the Board on Academic Standards Exceptions (BASE). Applications for submitting a request to BASE are available in the Office of Academic Affairs, CN 318, 303-556-3907.

If a student has registered for a higher-numbered course in a sequence, the exam for a prerequisite for that higher numbered course must be completed within the first three weeks of the semester. Credit by examination for a course which is a prerequisite for a course already completed will not be granted unless approved by BASE.

Examinations cannot be taken to raise grades, to remove failures, or to remove “NC,” “SP,” “I,” or “CC” notations. Credit by examination is not applicable toward academic residency requirements. Credit by examination cannot be obtained for a course in which a student has been enrolled at MSCD or at another regionally accredited college or university unless approved by BASE. Credit by examination will not be granted for courses attended as a listener, visitor, or auditor.

Examinations for credit will be taken at a time specified by the department. A grade equivalent to “A” or “B” must be attained on the examination in order to receive credit, but credits so earned for the course will be recorded without a grade on the student’s permanent record and are not considered in computing college grade point averages.

The hours granted for credit by exam are not included as a part of the student’s semester enrollment. The credit will appear on the transcript for the semester in which the examination was taken, but the hours do not count as part of the student’s total enrollment for the purposes of financial aid or any other purpose predicated on total hours of enrollment for a given semester.

Credit by examination will be posted after a student has completed eight semester hours of credit at Metropolitan State College of Denver, and after an evaluation of all transfer credit has been completed. The application form will be maintained in the student’s file. No record of failures on such examinations will be entered on the student’s permanent record. Departmental examinations attempted for course credit under these guidelines may not be repeated.

Applications for departmental credit by examination are available at the Center for Individualized Learning, (CN 106, 303-556-8342) and from the Office of the Registrar (CN 105).

Portfolio Assessment
Students may apply for credit for college-level learning gained through experience by preparing and submitting a prior learning portfolio. Credit is awarded on the basis of a careful assessment of the prior learning portfolio by faculty in the department from which credit is sought. Portfolio assessment is available in many, but not all, academic departments.

The portfolio is developed with the assistance of the Center for Individualized Learning, Central Classroom 106, 303-556-8342. Portfolio assessment may be used to apply for credit for specific courses listed in the Catalog. Students may also apply for credit for omnibus courses through portfolio assessment with the permission of the appropriate academic department. Applicants for credit through portfolio assessment will generally be required to take EDS 2680-1, The Portfolio Development Workshop.

Policies which govern credit for prior learning options apply to credit awarded through the portfolio process. The charge for each credit hour requested is one-half the in-state tuition for one credit hour.

Contact the Center for Individualized Learning for assistance and further information at 303-556-8342, Central Classroom 106. Information sessions about portfolio assessment and other credit for prior learning options are held on a regular basis.

Credit for Military Training and Other Training Programs
Military training and other educational programs, including DANTES, that have been assessed for college credit by the American Council on Education will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions for transfer credit at MSCD. For formal military training, copies of training certificates and a copy of the DD-214 should be submitted to the Office of Admissions. For other training, official ACE transcripts should be submitted. Credit limit is 30 semester hours.

Cooperative Education
The Cooperative Education Internship Center places students in work experiences related to their academic major. The purpose of the internships is to integrate academic training with actual work experience. This combination allows students to make realistic career decisions, gain valuable work experience, obtain recommendations for graduate school and earn money to help defray college expenses.

Students work in large corporations, small businesses, government and nonprofit agencies throughout the metropolitan area. Most co-op students are paid by their employers, but in those professional fields where co-op salaries are not available, volunteer internship placements are offered to help students gain essential work experience.

Co-op internship placements are available in most academic majors and minors. Students must complete 30 semester hours of college course work with a minimum 2.50 GPA and have a declared major to be eligible for registration with co-op. No fees are charged to the student or employer for participation in the program, and each student's interests and job requirements are discussed individually with a professional coordinator.

Students may choose from three different work schedules based on the academic calendar. The alternating plan provides full-time periods of work every other semester with intervening semesters spent in full-time study. The parallel schedule places students in a job while they simultaneously attend school. These positions are usually part-time. The short term/summer plan allows students to elect a work experience that lasts for no more than one semester.

The College awards academic credit for supervised cooperative education placements. Students must complete a credit application, available from the co-op office, and this application must be approved by a faculty member from the department in which credit is to be granted. No more than 15 semester hours of cooperative education credit will be applied toward MSCD degree requirements. Credit earned for the co-op education work experiences are not applicable toward General Studies requirements. Additional departmental restrictions may apply to certain majors. Visit our website for additional information: www.mscd.edu/~cooped.

Service-Learning
The Service-Learning Program combines classroom experience with service to the metropolitan community. Participating students receive credit for appropriate public service, which is beneficial to the community and expands student horizons in intellectually and personally meaningful ways.

Emerging from a wide variety of disciplines, service-learning courses are structured by faculty to weave service into community-based and government agencies, with classroom reflection and analysis of the learning offered through these experiences. The courses are also designed to address real needs in our multicultural world, such as homelessness, at-risk youth, domestic violence, the environment, culture and the arts, and mental illness. Agencies that have provided service opportunities include Fort Logan Mental Health Center, the Denver Commission on Aging, Big Sisters, the Colorado Historical Society, the Rape Assistance and Awareness Program, and numerous elementary and high schools, senior centers, and nursing homes.

Service-learning credit is available in most academic majors and minors. Prerequisites and other requirements vary with each department. To learn how to participate in this program, including discussions of placement options, students should contact or visit the Service-Learning Program office to schedule an interview: 1045 Ninth Street Park; 303-556-3290.

SPECIAL ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The First Year Program
The First-Year Program is designed to unify and coordinate College efforts to help entering students achieve a successful first year. The program provides advising, course selection guidance and academic monitoring throughout the first year, as well as coordinating academic support services for first year students. Additionally, the program offers a First-Year Seminar course, XXX 1190, which provides appropriate readings and written work enabling students to discuss and write about current issues including the value of higher education. All first-time MSCD students may enroll in the First-Year Seminar course and other appropriate courses as determined by assessment at entry. The program furnishes an environment where problem solving, creativity and peer interaction are encouraged. For additional information call 303-556-8447.

The Honors Program
The Honors Program provides an academic program for highly motivated students with broad academic interests. The program provides honors sections of General Studies courses and unique interdisciplinary courses. Honors courses are small in order to encourage class participation and a close relationship between students and faculty. Honors classes are designed to promote independent thought and creative inquiry. The director of the Honors Program and the honors faculty provide academic advising and serve as mentors to students as they consider their post-graduate goals. The ultimate mission of the Honors Program is to create a community of scholars. It sponsors an Honors Club, an annual Honors Conference, and study-abroad courses which allow students to explore ideas outside the classroom. Students who complete 27 semester hours of honors courses, including a thesis, will receive an honors designation on their transcript.

An Honors application form may be obtained from the Honors Program Director. Since the Honors Program participates in the Colorado Scholarship Program, students admitted to the Honors Program are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Additional information on the Honors Program is available by calling 303-556-4865 or by inquiring in West Classroom Building, Room 147.

Required Honors Core Semester Hours

*Approved General Studies courses.

Individualized Degree Program
The Individualized Degree Program (IDP) offers students the opportunity to design and propose a major, an extended major or a minor to meet specific educational goals when other majors or minors listed in the Catalog cannot meet the student's educational objectives. Either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree in Individualized Studies may be sought. Each student will work with an advisor in the Center for Individualized Learning and with a faculty mentor to develop a proposal for his/her degree program. A practicing professional in the student's field of study may also be invited to serve as a community consultant to assist the student and the faculty in the development of the program of study. Because careful and thoughtful planning is essential to designing a coherent and congruent program of study, students are encouraged to begin developing their proposals early in their enrollment at MSCD.

Interested students should contact the Center for Individualized Learning, Central Classroom 106, 303-556-8342, for assistance and for complete information regarding the policies and procedures for the development and approval of an Individualized Studies major or minor. Information sessions are held throughout the year.

Each Individualized Studies major or minor will be approved by the department chair from the academic department from which the majority of credit is drawn, the appropriate dean and the director of the Center for Individualized Learning.

• All requirements that apply to any bachelor's degree from MSCD apply to Individualized Studies.
• A grade of C must be earned in each course included in the student's major or minor, and students must have a GPA of 2.5 before an Individualized Studies program may be approved.
• The title for each student's program will be Individualized Studies with a concentration in ______.
• Majors may not include courses in Level II General Studies that have the same prefix as the department from which the majority of credit is drawn for their major.
• No more than 30 hours of credit out of the total of 120 credit hours may be included in the student's degree plan from the School of Business.
• Each Individualized Studies major or minor must include courses that have not yet been completed at the time the proposal is approved. See each IDP option below for the specific number of credits that must be completed after the proposal is approved by the department chair.

Proposals may be submitted for:

• An Individualized Studies MAJOR, which requires a minimum of 40 credit hours, including 21 hours of upper-division credit. Fifteen (15) hours must be completed after the proposal is approved by the department chair. A minor chosen from the Catalog is required.
• An Individualized Studies MINOR, which requires a minimum of 20 credit hours, including 6 hours of upper-division credit. Six (6) hours must be completed after the proposal is approved by the department chair. A major chosen from the Catalog is required.
• An Individualized Studies EXTENDED MAJOR may be proposed when the student's field of study requires more in-depth study or courses from multiple disciplines that cannot be accommodated in an IDP major. An extended major requires a minimum of 60 credit hours, including 27 hours of upper-division credit. Twenty-one (21) hours must be completed after the proposal is approved by the department chair. No minor is required.
  

Institute for International and Intercultural Education
The Metropolitan State College of Denver is committed to providing all students with a strong educational foundation that enhances their understanding of the total human experience and enables them to maximize their potential for growth and development in a rapidly changing world. Through the programs of the Institute for International and Intercultural Education, students and faculty have opportunities to develop and participate in activities designed to promote a greater understanding and expertise in global issues. The Institute also seeks to maintain a positive environment that enhances the learning experiences of international students attending MSCD. The Institute is located in the Rectory Building, room 204, and can be reached at 303-556-4004. The following programs reflect the mission of the Institute.

Individualized Degree Program
Students interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary major or a minor in international studies may do so under the Individualized Degree Program (IDP). The IDP allows students, in close consultation with and approval of a faculty mentor, to design a course of study that best meets their needs. Students may choose from a wide range of courses dealing with international topics that are regularly offered to complete a major or minor. Contact the Institute for International and Intercultural Education at 303-556-4004 or the Center for Individualized Learning at 303-556-8342, Central Classroom 106.

Study-Abroad Courses
The Institute coordinates a variety of short-term and semester-long study abroad courses each year. During the past several years, these courses have been held in Mexico, England, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Central America, Russia and Egypt. These courses are generally directed by full-time MSCD faculty, are two to five weeks in duration and are available to eligible students. Assistance is provided to students who choose to participate in study abroad courses offered by other U.S. or foreign universities.

The College operates two semester abroad programs in Guadalajara, Mexico and London, England. These are offered in cooperation with the University of Guadalajara and the American Institute for Foreign Study/Richmond College partnership. Students must be in good academic standing in order to participate in these programs.

Contact the Institute for information regarding the latest offerings.

Resource Center

The Institute maintains a resource bank of information on:

• a multitude of study-abroad programs offered by other universities and organizations
• international internship opportunities
• graduate programs in international studies
• faculty seminars and conferences
• internationalization of curricula
• international employment opportunities

International Student Services
The Institute provides a variety of services to international students attending MSCD. These include counseling on visas, school transfers, work permission and housing; conducting academic and cultural orientation sessions; assisting with immigration issues; providing information to embassies and sponsors; advising on academic issues; and organizing social and cultural events.

Faculty Services
The Institute places a high priority on enabling interested faculty to enhance their international experiences and, consequently, enrich their curricula. The faculty are regularly informed of professional development seminars, international conferences, exchange opportunities and fellowships. International faculty teaching at MSCD are given assistance with immigration and related matters in accordance with College policies.

Special Events
The Institute regularly organizes conferences, seminars and lecture series to promote intellectual discourses on issues affecting the contemporary world.

Community Connections
The Institute maintains links with numerous local and national organizations and professional associations dealing with international, educational, economic, social and cultural activities with a view to strengthen college-community partnerships and to remain current with the latest developments in the area of international education.

Language and Culture Institute
The Language and Culture Institute was established in 1976 to organize study and travel abroad. The institute currently operates a summer program in Mexico, a summer intensive language institute in Germany, and a winter study and travel program in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and in Central America. The institute offers credit through the Modern Languages Department.