Welcome to the Winter Start Program!

January of 2009 will mark the seventh year of the Winter Start Program at Colorado College. We are excited about the students who will enroll and look forward to your distinctive contributions to our campus community.

You may be wondering what the Winter Start Program is all about. It is important to know that it is a program established by the college to manage enrollment for the spring semester. While it is a practical program to utilize rooms left vacant by upperclass students studying abroad, it is also a way to increase the number of first year students we are able to admit in a given year. During the fall semester at Colorado College (and most other colleges in the US), the great majority of enrolled students study on campus. The spring semester is typically the time when students are more likely to study abroad or in other off-campus programs. As a result, there are fewer students on campus in the spring, and therefore, more room in classrooms and residence halls. Winter Start students fill those vacancies in the spring semester and generally stay on to study over the summer. They join the 'normal' academic calendar when they return for their second year in the fall. A number of other colleges (Middlebury, Colby and Berkeley are notable examples) have similar programs.

We expect as many as fifty students to begin their Colorado College studies as Winter Start students this year. This group is comprised of a wide variety of students, all of whom we are certain will thrive at CC. There is usually no particular reason why a student is offered winter rather than fall admission, but one thing is true - we believe you are uniquely prepared to be able to use this time off productively. All students who are admitted to CC, either as a Winter or Fall Start, are admitted because of their outstanding academic record, talents, and personal qualities.

Table of Contents Orientation Winter Start Calendar Materials for pre-registration and academic advising Summer Session credit Residential life information for spring semester Ideas for the Fall Contact Information Some Thoughts from Previous Winter Start Students

Orientation

Orientation for Winter Start student begins in mid-January and includes meetings for parents, a chance to meet college administrators, and an introduction to life at Colorado College. There will be plenty of time to move in, become familiar with the campus, and to meet your academic advisor. Complete orientation information will be sent in the fall.

Winter Start Calendar

A Winter Start student's first block will be Block 5, the beginning of Spring Semester, on January 19, 2009. Orientation will begin on January 10, 2009. As is true in the fall, Colorado College offers a variety of First Year Experience courses from which you will choose your first two blocks. These courses introduce you to the college's library, Writing Center, and other academic support systems specific to CC. You will also be provided with a student mentor, and get a chance to meet other first year students, as well as the larger college community. You will find descriptions of these courses in your CC Bound and on the FYE website. You may choose among any of the college's courses offered in Blocks 7 and 8 (the remaining blocks of your first semester). Please note prerequisites and course numbers.

Colorado College has an impressive Summer Session, which runs from mid-June to mid-August. Many Winter Start students choose to participate in the Summer Session following their first year. After the first year, Winter Starts can, and generally do, enroll in courses for the typical fall-spring calendar.

Materials for pre-registration and academic advising

Winter Start students will receive their information binder, called "CC Bound", with pre-registration materials in mid to late June. There will be an advising questionnaire to fill out so that we can match students appropriately to advisors on campus. You will be assigned an advisor by the end of the summer and be given information about how to contact that person throughout the fall semester. There will also be a 'Snapshot' questionnaire to complete in preparation for First Year Experience excursions and activities. You should be in communication with your advisor in September and October so that you can complete registration choices for your spring semester classes. You will register for spring courses before the fall starts, and thus will have first choice for these courses.

Summer Session credit

You are encouraged to pre-register for classes in the summer session of 2008 or 2009 at Colorado College. Taking summer classes would allow you to begin the following fall with sophomore standing. This which will prepare you for courses with prerequisites and increase your range of housing options. Many CC students take classes in the summer and campus is a lively and vibrant place. Students may choose to take one, two, or three blocks in the summer. Summer Session abounds in study abroad programs, courses not offered in the regular year, and it offers a chance to take prerequisites toward your sophomore year courses (introductory chemistry and biology courses, for example). Many of these courses are difficult to get into during the regular academic year, but have readily available spaces in the summer. All summer credits may be used to satisfy general education requirements toward your degree or to satisfy major requirements. As soon as the course schedule is set, the Summer Session will reserve spaces exclusively for Winter Start students. Winter Starts will have a few weeks to take advantage of pre-registering for these competitive spots. This special pre-registration priority is offered to Winter Starts only the first year. You are also able to take classes this coming summer if you want to get a head start on your CC education. Feel free to call the Summer Session Office with questions. Phone: (719) 389-6655.

Residential life information for spring semester

The Office of Residential Life & Housing enthusiastically welcomes you to Colorado College. We want your housing experience to be an exciting and pleasant one. You will receive your housing forms in the CC Bound binder. It is important that you fill out the housing forms as soon as you receive them. Room assignments are made in the order of receipt of your complete housing application. The room questionnaire that you will be asked to fill out is especially important. Every effort will be made to honor your interests and roommate requests. All assignments will be based on mid-year housing availability. You will be notified of your room and roommate assignment during the third week of December. We will include contact information with your assignment and strongly encourage you to contact your roommate and to get to know him or her. This past January, about a third of the Winter Starts were housed in the first year residence halls and the rest were in primarily upper class halls.

Ideas for the fall

Now that you've been accepted into Colorado College, you have some time before you start classes. We have some ideas that may help you make plans for the fall.

Idea 1: Get a job or an internship in a career field that interests you
Why not use this time to test out a career interest? Most students are unclear about what major to pursue when they arrive at college, much less what they want to do upon graduation. Before making these decisions a few years from now, you will need to develop a true understanding of yourself, your skills, abilities, interests, values and personality characteristics. You will also need information about career fields and opportunities within those fields. This takes quite a bit of time, thought and effort. Now may be an ideal time to find a temporary job or internship in a career field of interest to you. Once inside an organization, an observant person can learn a lot about the work people do.

At Colorado College, we encourage students to obtain jobs and internships throughout their four years. Students often find that these enhance their education at Colorado College. They are able to make better connections between their formal education and life outside the classroom. We also find that these students make better career decisions upon graduation and have a competitive edge when job hunting. Employers see them as more focused, "tested", and able to do the work. Why not give yourself a competitive edge?

Resources for job hunting/resume writing/interviewing help

• The Career Center site will provide you with a great deal of helpful information.
• Try the Finding a Job section. You will now see options on Job Search Strategies, Job Interview Skills and Resume Writing. You will also find helpful information in the Summer Jobs and Internships section.

Finding/developing internships

• You will be able to find internship listings via the internet. Enter 'internships+high+school+students' in any search engine. This will produce pages of results, most of which are appropriate for recent high school graduates.
• There are also many internship publications that you might be able to find in your local library or bookstore. A few that include internship opportunities for recent high school graduates are:
  The Internship Bible, 2002 Edition, Princeton Review Publishing.
  The Best 106 Internships, 8th Edition, Princeton Review Publishing.
  Internships 2002, 22nd Edition, Peterson's, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.
• You may want to develop your own internship. If so, go back to Job Search Strategies in the Career Center website and apply these techniques to an internship.

Note that most of the website links listed in the Internship Resources section in the Career Center site require previous college experience. You still may want to look at them to get ideas or to use later in your college career.

Idea 2: International Programs
At Colorado College, study abroad is an integral part of many students' undergraduate education. Each year, around 400 students study off-campus, and by commencement over 50% of the graduating class has participated in a study abroad program. The college encourages students to incorporate study abroad plans into their chosen academic paths, and to select a study abroad program consistent with other curricular choices. For these reasons, most students opt to go abroad after having spent one to two years at CC.

However, this does not mean you shouldn't take advantage of your fall semester by studying abroad. The benefits of an intercultural experience, both academic and non-academic, are numerous. Among them, students gain confidence and independence, strengthen foreign language skills and develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity of other cultures. As you make plans for the fall semester, the Office of International Programs encourages you to consider spending time abroad.

Finding a good international program
Although it may seem like there is an overwhelming array of options, with careful research and planning it is possible to find a program abroad that will meet your specific interests and needs. Quality varies considerably among programs, so it is important to investigate each one thoroughly and read the promotional materials carefully. In addition, we suggest you consider the following:

• What are your personal interests and goals? Is your primary goal to improve your language skills? Would you like to engage in overseas volunteer work? Are you looking for a highly structured program with lots of planned activities and guidance, or something that allows for greater independence? Taking the time to think about your own academic goals, skills, and personal interests is an important first step.
• What is the goal of your trip? Is it academic credit? If so, what is the academic quality of the program? If you are planning to obtain academic credit for your semester, find out who is sponsoring the program. Is the program run by a U.S. college or university or by an independent agency? How is the academic quality of the program monitored? Who will be teaching the courses? What are the academic expectations of the faculty and the program? Realize that C.C. will accept study abroad transfer credit from a limited number of institutions.
• Are there any admission requirements? Many study abroad programs require participants to have reached a minimum age, completed a year of college studies, or obtained a certain proficiency in a foreign language. However, if you do not meet some of these requirements, we encourage you to discuss your plans with the program sponsor. Some programs may make allowances for highly motivated and/or mature students.
• What kinds of support services does the program provide? Look closely at the support services available to you through your study abroad program. Will preparatory materials, such as travel guides or suggested reading lists, be sent to you prior to your departure? Is an on-site orientation provided? What housing arrangements are made for you, if any? Who is responsible for assisting you in an emergency situation? Are there services available for personal counseling if needed? The existence of services such as these is often an indication of a well-run program.

A few possibilities
To help begin your search, we've identified a few programs that have worked successfully for students in the past. If you wish to obtain academic credit for any of these programs, please contact the Office of International Programs to learn how credit will transfer.

• The International Partnership for Service-Learning (IPS-L)
  IPS-L programs are a combination of formal academic study and hands-on community service. Participants take courses in a variety of disciplines while also serving approximately 15 hours per week at a local agency. IPS-L works with a variety of agencies, including schools and orphanages, health care and education institutions, and community development centers. The program has sites in the United States and around the world. To learn more, visit the IPS-L website or call 212-986-0989.
  

• International Studies Abroad (ISA)
  For a more traditional study abroad experience, students may want to consider an International Studies Abroad program. ISA has sites in Spain, France, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Argentina and Australia. Most programs are based at a local university, and emphasize language acquisition and cultural immersion. ISA will admit high school graduates into any of its programs, and is able to accommodate students at various levels of language proficiency. Tuition ranges from $5,000 - $9,500 a semester. For more information, visit their website at www.studiesabroad.com or call (800) 580-8826.
  
• GlobalQuest
  GlobalQuest offers a fall semester of adventure and learning in Thailand and Ecuador for enrolling Colorado College students. The semester is offered in groups of twelve students and three teachers and offers the study of language, history and culture, natural history and environmental issues and an individual research project. For more information, visit their website or call 207-879-1722.
  
• Additional resources
  www.iiepassport.org - Allows students to search for specific learning options in the fields of study and geographic locations they are looking for. Also includes helpful advice on living and learning abroad.
  www.goabroad.com - An extensive directory with information on study abroad programs, volunteer and intern opportunities, language schools, and short-term work programs. Also includes travel guides, links to embassies worldwide and more.
  www.studyabroad.com - Search their study abroad program listings by country, language, duration, and subject. Use the country portals feature to find detailed travel information and maps.
  

Idea 3: Other educational Programs

• Sea Education Association (SEA)
  This unique program allows students to study oceanography, nautical science, and maritime literature and history. The 12-week program begins with a shore component in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Then students set sail, getting the opportunity to navigate and conduct research in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, or Pacific Ocean. Interested students should apply early. The fall semester programs (running from September through November or October to January) generally fill by May. SEA Semester takes a very close look at maturity level and academic preparation when making admission decisions. For more information, visit their website or call 800-552-3633.
  
• The Center for INTERIM Programs and LEAP Now
  The Center for INTERIM Programs was developed to assist students taking time off from formal academic studies. While the Center does not administer any of its own programs, it has contacts with thousands of organizations worldwide, and will match students with internships, service opportunities, and jobs according to individual interests and goals. Although some programs may be credit bearing, the Center mainly works with students looking for non-academic opportunities. The Center for INTERIM Programs currently charges a $1,900 fee for its referral and consulting services, which may be used any number of times during a period of two years. For more information, access the Center's website at www.interimprograms.com or call 617-547-0980. If you currently live west of the Mississippi, contact its partner organization LEAP Now (Lifelong Education Alternatives and Programs) at www.leapnow.org or 707-829-1142.

Again, welcome to Colorado College! We look forward to meeting you. Let us know if we can help you during these months before you arrive on campus.

Contact information

If you would like to talk to a current Winter Start, please let us know. Some students have said they'd be happy to answer questions you or your parents might have. If you plan to visit campus during our Open House weeks, let us know you are a Winter Start and we will try to arrange a meal with one of our current Winter Starts. Of course, any of us at the college is available to help answer questions.

General questions or to talk to a Winter Start Ellen Goulding, Associate Director of Admission Matthew Bonser, Associate Director of Admission 719-389-6344 or 800-542-7214 Summer Session Libby Rittenberg, Dean of Summer Programs 719-389-6655 Orientation Mike Edmonds, Dean of Students 719-389-6684 Residential Life Director of Residential Life 719-389-6618 Transfer of credit Phil Apodaca, Registrar 719-389-6610 First Year Experience, Advising Julie Stockenberg, Director of First Year and Sophomore Advising 719-389-6686 Study Abroad Heather Browne,Coordinator of Off-Campus Study 719-389-6918 Employment and Internships Judy Offerdahl, Internship Coordinator 719-389-6893

Some Thoughts from Previous Winter Start Students

Kell

I was thrilled with my winter start acceptance. Not only was I offered acceptance to my number one school, but the winter start program offered me an opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime program, a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) semester in the Rocky Mountains.

This fall I participated in a NOLS semester with backpacking, horse packing, rock climbing, and winter camping. I learned more than I ever imagined I would. I learned teamwork, leadership skills, camping skills and communication skills. NOLS also taught me how to get along with different types of people after leaving a very homogonous high school.

Now that I'm here at school I am just as thrilled with my decision to join CC. I found it extremely easy to make great friends quickly and am already into the swing of college after only one block. Having a semester to experience new things allowed me to rest and prepare mentally for the next four years. I felt burned out after high school and having the fall semester off allowed me to refocus and be more devoted to school.

Not even for a second have I had regrets about being a winter start. They paired me up with a roommate who I get along with easily and winter start orientation allowed me to get to know a core group of people who I will be able to look to in the future as great friends. If I were given the option to be a winter start again I wouldn't hesitate [to take it].

Lindsay

When I first received the Winter Start offer I was disappointed. I wanted to start in the fall with the rest of my class. I thought over the idea many times before I even began looking at my options for the fall semester. Being offered a Winter Start position is a great deal; you have a confirmed spot in the college, plus the school is giving you four months to do whatever you want. I didn't realize it, but a little time off from academics was exactly what I needed. Now that I am here, I think the Winter Start program is a great idea. The orientation was great and the winter starts are such a tight knit group. I love it. Looking back, I definitely made the right decision.

I did an Outward Bound Semester in Chile. It was a great experience, as well as perfect timing. It was time away from everything, time to relax and enjoy. I had no other outside commitments to worry about and I was able to fully immerse myself in the experience. It was a great opportunity to challenge myself outside the classroom.

Look at your options for fall semester, there are some great opportunities out there! Think about how you feel about taking some time away from the class room scene. It could be a nice break! Although it may not be exactly what you are looking for, stretch your boundaries, being a winter start is great!

Chrissie

I did not really think about the winter-start offer when I was first accepted. I was just glad to know I had been accepted. For a while, I was disappointed because I really wanted to take a whole year off before college. Being on the Winter Start program I would have to take a year and a half ( a long time not to be in school). Despite the fact I did not get to take a whole year off/abroad, I was excited to have a half year. I liked starting with sixty other students. We all had diverse experiences, and we all shared the fact that we started a semester behind.

I am glad I had the opportunity to do whatever I wanted for a semester. I think I was more confident and more mature coming into CC as a Winter-Start. I had seen much of the world. I traveled outside of my comfort zone and made friends with people completely different from myself. I would have never accomplished this without the semester CC gave to me.

I attended American University of Paris, a four-year college in the heart of Paris. I originally applied to AUP as a four-year student and, for a while, I was debating where I wanted to go to school. Paris would offer me a new culture, a new language, and a better understanding of the world around me. Colorado would offer me an amazing education, the outdoors at my fingertips, and enthusiastic, fun-loving peers. With the Winter Start program I got to do both.
There are few opportunities in life where you can do whatever you want with so few responsibilities. You have such an advantage coming into college with an understanding of what the real world is like. I find I am more focused, more confident, and more independent after four months in Paris. I have a better understanding of what I want out of the next four years and what I want to do with my life. Through the Winter-Start orientation, I established a solid friendship with a majority of the winter-start students and those I did not talk with during orientation, I met later. It was nice to have a group of students that we got to know well through orientation, and we could rely on when we were faced with a sea of unknown faces once back at CC. It was also nice to talk to students who had similar experiences to my own in the fall.