Oct 06, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

General Information



Academic Instructional Technology Center

AITC Purpose Statement:

Support instructors and students in all modalities of instruction through course design, instructional training, and technology support to foster student success.

AITC Vision Statement:

To make a quality education accessible to our diverse student body through the use of technology.

Accessibility Services

Diversity through Equal Opportunity

Adams State University is committed to providing equal education opportunity for persons with both permanent and temporary disabilities in accordance with the Affirmative Action Policy of the University and in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The mission of the Office of the Affirmative Action Officer’s Accessibility Services - Institutional Rights Services program is to assist Adams State University in creating an accessible community where individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from all College programs, activities, and services.

Objectives

  1. To provide direct, reasonable accommodations and support services for individuals with disabilities.
  2. To encourage self-determination, independence, and personal responsibility for students with disabilities.
  3. To provide resources, advocacy, collaborative services, and outreach throughout the College community.
  4. To promote an open and welcoming environment around campus for individuals with disabilities.
  5. To inform and educate the Adams State University community about the ADA/Section 504, and an appropriate institutional response. In support of its commitment to provide equal educational opportunity, ASU provides a variety of reasonable services and accommodations to students with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations include but are not limited to, extended testing time, testing in a reduced distraction environment, testing with the assistance of reader and/or scribe, priority seating, and  interpretation services.

Accessibility Services
719-587-7746
oas@adams.edu

Bookstore

The University Bookstore, where students can purchase necessary textbooks, general reading books, supplies, gifts, soft goods, network supplies and art supplies, is located in the Student Union Building. The Bookstore is operated by Textbook Brokers.

Career Services

Adams State University Career Services is here to help you navigate the career planning process. We can help you to explore your career options, create a customized career plan, identify and gain practical experience, and research and prepare for your next step after graduation. Students who use our services early in their academic careers are more likely to find jobs and internships than those who wait. We welcome all ASU undergraduates, graduate students, and Alumni!

Class Attendance

Class Attendance Requirements

Federal legislation requires Adams State University to verify that students who receive financial aid begin attending courses by census date of each semester. Please be aware that if you have financial aid for your courses with Adams State, you MUST participate in an academically related activity in each course by census date of the semester of enrollment.

Academically Related Activities Definition

Academically related activities include, but are not limited to, physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students; initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course; participating in an online discussion about academic matters; submitting an academic assignment; taking an exam, an interactive tutorial or computerassisted instruction; or attending a study group that is assigned by the school.

Academically related activities do NOT include activities where a student may be present, but not academically engaged, such as logging into an onlineclass without active participation, participating inacademic counseling or advisement, living in institutional housing, or participating in the school’s meal plan.

In a distance education context, logging into an online class is not sufficient, by itself, to demonstrate academic attendance by the student. You must participate in class or otherwise be engaged in an academically related activity, such as by contributing to an online discussion or initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a course-related question. Completion of an online syllabus quiz constitutes attendance.

Non-attendance Mandatory Course Drop

If you do not begin attending academically related activities in each course by census, you WILL BE DROPPED from your course(s) and therefore, lose financial aid eligibility for the semester. Any financial aid funds disbursed to your student account or refunded to you must be returned to the U.S. Department of Education.

Please be aware of Adams State’s census (course add/drop) dates every semester by referring to the Academic Calendar.

Counseling and Career Services

Counseling Center

The Counseling Services Staff would like to extend the warmest invitation to you to please come by, call or complete the form to make an appointment to chat. We always try to have a staff person available for your counseling needs.

The goal of personal counseling is to provide you with assistance in resolving personal and relationship concerns which could negatively impact your academic progress. Our counselors will work with you to help you decide which direct services might best meet your needs.

We Offer:

  • Crisis Counseling
  • Individual Counseling
  • Group Counseling
  • Couples Counseling
  • Family Counseling
  • Consultation Services
  • Depression and other Mental Health Screenings
  • ACUDETOX (ear acupuncture)
  • Workshops
  • Outreach and Prevention Services

Eligibility
We offer counseling and consultation services to:

  • Currently registered on campus Adams State students
  • Non-student spouses or partners in a committed relationship with an Adams State student and their children
  • High School concurrent students enrolled at Adams State
  • Faculty and Staff, limited consultation services with referral to Employee Assistance Program

Request an appointment

Financial Aid

Pursuing a college degree is one of the best investments in your future that you can make. The Office of Financial Aid is here to help you review your college costs and apply for financial aid programs. Our mission is to make an outstanding ASU education affordable and the financial aid and scholarship process as simple and straightforward as possible. Each of our staff is dedicated  to your success and we look forward to assisting you with your financial aid applications.

  • About 91% of our full-time students qualify for financial aid
  • ASU Foundation offers over 100 scholarships
  • The average award is around $12,000
  • Our Affordability Ranking
  • Our tuition window can save you money each semester. Full-time students (12 credit hours per semester) can take up to 16 credit hours for no additional cost.
  • Learn more about Value and Affordability

First-Year Seminar

First Year Seminar (FYS) serves as the launching point into your college journey and the Adams Experience. Students will choose a FYS course theme of their choice and engage in a unique seminar that will grow their academic skills and interests. FYS courses will encourage students to explore issues that matter to them, consider big questions, engage and share ideas, challenge assumptions, and grow into successful students. The FYS program will impact students knowledge, skills, and confidence as they begin their college journey through the Adams Experience.

Graduate Studies

The Office of Graduate Studies, along with Adams State’s dedicated faculty and staff, works to ensure access and opportunity for graduate study throughout Colorado and the United States. Our programs are recognized for their academic excellence and diverse delivery methods.

We deliver our programs to suit your needs

  • Full or part-time
  • On-campus or online
  • Support for your academic success with our Graduate Student Support Services The Office of Graduate Studies serves our constituents by:
  • Admitting students to the graduate programs
  • Working with graduate students from inquiry to graduation
  • Offering graduate student support services
  • Advocating for graduate programs and students

International Student Assistance

Adams State defines an international student as a student in non-immigrant status who is not a U.S. citizen or does not have approved and finalized U.S. permanent residence, refugee status, or political asylum. Adams State is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified institution (school code: DEN214F00174000) with the ability to produce I-20s for international students to potentially receive F-1 student visas upon official acceptance to Adams State. Please see the Adams State website for our PDSO and DSO contact information.

Mathematics Help Lab

The Mathematics Help Lab is located in Porter Hall, Room 245. ASU students needing help in any mathematics class through Calculus II are encouraged to visit the Mathematics Help Lab for free tutoring. Students should not expect the tutors to simply work homework problems for them. 

Nondiscrimination Notice

Adams State University prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or retaliation that violates federal and state law or the university’s discrimination policies. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, sex (including sexual harassment), veteran status, or disability. The university complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Executive Order 11246, C.R.S. § 24-34-301 et seq., and § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

One Stop Student Services Center

The One Stop Student Services Center serves as a student center for the offices of registration and records, student business services, and financial aid. Based on Adams State’s belief in the value of the individual, its mission is to deliver unparalleled student customer service. Your One Stop Student Services Center will provide quality, professional and courteous assistance in support of your academic and educational financing objectives. One Stop counselors are knowledgeable in enrollment, financial aid, billing and payments or can help you with general information or concerns about the business aspect of being a student.

Location: ASU Student Union Building
Phone: 719-587-7306
Toll-free: 1-866-344-1687
Fax: 719-587-7366
E-mail: onestop@adams.edu

Orientation for New Students

New student orientation is designed to facilitate the transition of new students into the university, prepare new students for the educational opportunities available at Adams State and initiate the integration of new students into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of Adams State University. This program reinforces new students’ decision to attend Adams State University. Orientation for new students, which includes transfer, non-traditional and commuter students begins the week before classes and continues through the first week of classes. 

Photo and Videotape Policy

Adams State University often takes or commissions photos and videotapes of students, faculty and staff, and campus visitors.

These images are taken in classrooms and labs, in the library and other study areas, at college events, and elsewhere around campus.

Likewise, the Adams State Athletic Department photographs and records athletic events, athletes, and spectators.

Adams State University reserves the right to use these photographs/video clips as a part of its publicity and marketing efforts.

Students who enroll at Adams State do so with the understanding these photographs might include them and be used in publications, both printed and electronic, and for publicity.

Police Department and Parking Services

The Adams State University Police Department is the primary law enforcement provider for the college community. ASU PD police officers are fully academy trained and state certified peace officers with powers of arrest on and off campus. The department also employs civilians and student workers in clerical, parking management, student escort and building security patrol positions. The department works closely with other law enforcement agencies including Colorado State Patrol, the Alamosa Police Department, Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office, and federal law enforcement agencies. The department provides crime prevention services and information to the Adams State University community. The Police Department assists other college services in emergency planning and safety inspections to maintain a safe campus environment. Police and emergency services are available 24 hours daily, year-round.

ASU Police Department
Location: #1 Petteys Hall
Police Department Dispatch: 719-589-5807 (24 hours per day)
Non-emergency phone: 719-587-7901 (business hours)

EMERGENCY: 911

Refunds of Student Credit Balances

We deliver refunds of credit balances on student accounts and pay student employment (work study) earnings with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. A credit balance may come from payment of financial aid (grants, scholarships or loans) credited to a student’s account, overpayment of charges, or adjustments for tuition, fees, or housing. More information about BankMobile Disbursements.

Financial Aid Disbursement

Financial aid funds disbursed to a student’s account are first credited to the student’s educational expenses. Once education expenses are paid in full and if a credit balance remains, the credit balance is refundable to the student. Refunds are processed within 14 business days of when the credit balance was created.

Some financial aid requirements are as follows:

  • Student’s first class has started
  • Student is registered for the number of credit hours for which aid is awarded
  • Student is taking classes for credit. Classes taken as “no credit” are not aid eligible
  • Classes taken apply to the student’s program of study

To view our third-party servicer contract for refund management, go to the Client Contracts & Profile page.

Student Bill of Rights (Undergraduates)

The General Assembly of Colorado hereby finds that students enrolled in public institutions of higher education shall have the following rights:

  1. Students should be able to complete their associate of arts and associate of science degree programs in no more than sixty credit hours or their baccalaureate programs in no more than one hundred twenty credit hours unless there are additional degree requirements recognized by the commission;
  2. A student can sign a two-year or four-year graduation agreement that formalizes a plan for that student to obtain a degree in two or four years, unless there are additional degree requirements recognized by the commission;
  3. Students have a right to clear and concise information concerning which courses must be completed successfully to complete their degrees;
  4. Students have a right to know which courses are transferable among the state public twoyear and four-year institutions of higher education;
  5. Students, upon completion of core general education courses, regardless of the delivery method, should have those courses satisfy the core course requirements of all Colorado public institutions of higher education;
  6. Students have a right to know if courses from one or more public higher education institutions satisfy the students’ degree requirements;
  7. Student’s credit for the completion of the core requirements and core courses shall not expire for ten years from the date of initial enrollment and shall be transferable. (C.R.S. §23-1-125)

Student Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves both within and outside the university in a way that will reflect favorably on themselves and Adams State. A student may be dismissed for misconduct following the judicial process for violations of the Student Handbook.

In the event of such dismissal, tuition and fees will not be refunded in whole or in part.

Student Support Services

Student Support Services (SSS) provides services to first generation, low-income students and students with disabilities at Adams State University.

Services for qualified students include tutoring, mentoring, academic and life skills workshops, supplemental financial aid for those who qualify, and educational field trips.

The purpose of SSS is twofold: to increase retention and graduation rates of eligible students and to foster an institutional climate supportive of first-generation, low income students and students with disabilities. Because the program is federally funded, all services are free to qualified students. Students who have recently graduated from high school, have already been accepted into Adams State University, and are planning to attend Adams State for the fall semester are eligible to apply for SSS Summer Scholars Program. Students live on campus for three weeks and are enrolled in a three-credit English class. They also receive credit for the Academic Achievement Strategies course and one credit for a math strategies course. 

Tuition and Fees

The Board of Trustees for Adams State University, the governing entity, reserves the right without notice to alter tuition and fee charges prior to the first day of any semester. Tuition and fees are posted annually on Adams State University’s Website.

Tuition & Fees Payment Deadlines

  • Payment in full or payment for fall and spring semesters must be made or finalized by the census date of the semester, see the Academic Calendar on the Adams State website. Pay online or in person by visiting the One Stop Student Services Center in the Student Union Building. If a down payment is made online, a payment arrangement must still be finalized by the student.
  • Online payment by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, Discover) or from checking or savings is available at the Onestop. Payment can be made at the cashier’s  window located at the One Stop Student Services Center in the Student Union Building or mailed to Adams State University, 208 Edgemont Blvd. Suite 2050, Alamosa, CO 81101.

Late Charges

A $40 late charge is assessed when payment in full is not received OR payment arrangements are NOT completed by 4 p.m. on the census date of the semester. Additional late charges of $10 per month are assessed if payment in full has not been received. There will also be a $10 late fee for payment plans that are not current.

  • Tuition and fees charges for no credit or audit courses are the same as courses taken for credit. Courses taken for no credit are not eligible for financial aid or the COF stipend.
  • The Board of Trustees for Adams State University reserves the right, without notice, to alter tuition and fee charges prior to the first day of any school term.

Payment Plans

Payment in full or payment arrangements for Fall and Spring semesters must be made or finalized by census date of each semester, see the Academic Calendar. Payment plans can be set up at Ebill.

Terms

  • A $15 deferred payment fee per semester is assessed for a payment plan.
  • On-campus students set up a payment plan online.
  • Students using VA or 3rd party payments contact Student Business Services at 719-587-7728 for assistance on setting up a payment plan.
  • Interest charges are not passed on payment plans.

Late Fees

  • If an account is not paid in full or payment arrangements are not finalized by the second week of the semester, a $40 late fee is assessed. Additional late charges of $10 per month are assessed until a payment agreement is finalized.
  • If a student makes the required down payment but does not complete the tuition promissory note, late fees as listed above will apply.
  • A $10 monthly late fee is assessed for payment plans that are not current.If a payment plan is set up and current, the student will be allowed to register for future semesters. If a payment plan is not set up or is in default, account must be paid in full to register for a subsequent semester.

Tutoring

The Grizzly Testing and Learning Center provides coordination of academic tutoring services. Services are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis and are free of charge. Tutoring is provided by trained peers in a group setting. In addition, the Grizzly

Testing and Learning Center coordinates note-takers and test-readers for students with accommodations under ADA. It also serves as an alternative test site and a placement testing site. The Grizzly Testing and Learning Center is located on the second floor of Nielsen Library. For more information, please contact us at 719-587-8189 or testingcenter@adams.edu.

Veterans

The University is authorized by the Colorado State Approving Agency for Veterans Education in accordance with federal law to educate students receiving benefits through the Veterans Administration. For more information regarding veterans’ benefits, call 719-587-8452 to schedule an appointment.

Writing Studio

The Writing Studio supports student learning and faculty and staff in their development as writers and as educators. Skilled peer tutors provide help to students with every part of the writing process, from generating ideas about assignments to final editing. They offer assistance for every kind of writing in each discipline, ranging from freshman composition papers, biology papers or poetry, to graduate portfolios. The Writing Studio furnishes an extensive collection of books and handouts relating to the writing process, and it has computers available for student use. Tutors are in the Writing Studio free of charge to help students learn to proof and perfect their own work and to help faculty and staff with their writing and course needs.