Transitioning to College

Summer Showcase for High School Counselors

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:52:00 +0000

Fort Lewis invites educators to attend our second annual Summer Showcase for high school counselors, community college advisors and TRiO program coordinators. Attendees will learn about our liberal arts experience, experience our beautiful mountain setting, and enjoy historic Durango. The summer is a great time to visit Durango and to tour campus. Come join us!

Meals and lodging for this three-day exploration are free. Counselors must register by June 1, 2010.

A schedule of events can be accessed here.

Use our on-line form to register today!

Come meet us at The Beach!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:43:00 +0000

It's Spring Break for FLC this week! And to celebrate, the Office of Admissions will be hanging out at The Beach on Sunday! Ok, it's probably not the beach you have in mind, but it will still be fun. On Sunday, March 14, the Office of Admission will be handing out free goodies at the Durango Mountain Resort Beach. Along with DJ Wreck from KDUR, we'll be slopeside from 2-4pm with cookies, chap stick and other fun give-aways. Take a break from the great spring skiing conditions on Sunday and stop by to say hi.

5 Quick Tips on Financial Aid

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:13:00 +0000

The cost of a college degree is getting more expensive every year. According to College Board, the average four-year public college charges a tuition rate of $7,020 and the average tuition cost of a four-year private college is $26,273. That’s a lot of money. And while there are resources out there to help families cover their college expenses, who has the time to research these opportunities? It’s tough. The purpose of this blog is to simplify your life. If you follow these quick tips on financial aid, your college financing process will be a lot easier. Let’s get started…

1.Research, Research, Research. Again, there is good information out there on financial aid, but you need to know where to look. I encourage families to research two types of areas: Scholarship funding and College Tuition Savings Plans. Scholarships and money from 529 plans can add up quickly. Every dollar that you can secure through these areas can cut down on the possible need to borrow money for your college expenses.

2.Apply, Apply, Apply. Consider winning a scholarship like winning the lottery. There are many other people who want the same result, but only a handful of people will be picked as winners. Don’t just look at 1-2 scholarships, but apply to as many scholarships as possible. While it won’t necessarily mean that you’ll earn a scholarship, your odds will be much better if you apply to multiple scholarships as opposed to just a few. In the end, chances are you will qualify for at least one scholarship.

3.Pay Attention to Deadlines. In the competitive dog-eat-dog world of financial aid, deadlines are hard and fast. You miss a deadline, and there is no turning back. Look at application materials, the requirements, and the submission deadlines. I’ve known funding organizations to return “late” applications to students, even if they missed the deadline by just one day. Missing a deadline is a dead-end.

4.Learn from the Experts. Navigating the financial aid process is overwhelming. I encourage you to develop strong relationships with your high school guidance counselor and with financial aid representatives at the colleges and universities. Financial Aid professionals handle aid for college for a living so they stay current on changes to federal funding programs, loan rates and grant assistance.

5.Complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a must-requirement for college-bound students. Families should complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible for the upcoming academic year. As part of the FAFSA, state that you are willing to work a part-time job through the Work Study Program. Most students work part-time jobs during the week and on the weekends. Consider some of the money that students earn as the students’ financial contribution for college. Some students work a partnership with their parents–parents will pay the tuition expenses and the students will cover their entertainment and ”pizza” money with money from their part-time job. Remember–every little bit helps. If the FAFSA results, don't look right to your family, then consider an appeal. Once you get your financial aid package from colleges, look at them closely. If your financial situation has changed due to an unexpected drop in income, don’t hesitate to contact the colleges and universities to which you applied to let them know these changes. Most colleges allow families to submit an appeal letter explaining why they believe that their financial aid package should be reevaluated. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, but remember, an appeal isn’t always granted. Colleges don’t have ESP, so if they don’t know that there have been financial changes, then they can’t consider you for an updated financial aid package. Make it easy for them and appeal when you have a need to do so.

Finding money to pay for college can be a lengthy and time-consuming process, but by following these easy steps, you’ll be on the right pathway to success. Good luck.

College Goal Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, February 20, Fort Lewis College will host College Goal Sunday. Ok--Make that College Goal Saturday, but the event is part of a national program called College Goal Sunday.

We encourage you to visit with us on February 20 to navigate the anxiety-producing world of paying for college. College Goal Sunday is an opportunity for students and parents to get free help in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the first step and a Federal requirement for all college students who plan to pay for college with the help of: grants, scholarships, work Study Funds, and student loans. Prospective students and their families can talk to Financial Aid professionals and get one-on-one assistance from the Fort Lewis College Office of Financial Aid.

In case you are curious, Fort Lewis is hosting this year's College Goal Sunday on a Saturday because we also will host a Skyhawk Saturday for Prospective Students on the same day (February 20). This will provide two key reasons for prospective students and their families to visit with us on February 20. Come learn about FLC, and also discover your options to pay for college.

We look forward to seeing you on February 20.

House Bill 10-1067

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:17:00 +0000

Many individuals are concerned about new legislation that could impact Fort Lewis College. Today's blog will provide some background on current legislative activities. Recently introduced as proposed legislation, Colorado House Bill 10-1067 would have a direct impact on the current funding mechanism for our Native American Tuition Waiver. In effect, HB 10-1067 would reduce Lewis College’s $41 million General Fund budget by approximately $1.8 million. As you can surmise, Fort Lewis College is opposed to HB 10-1067.

To provide some background, the College’s commitment to Native American students is long-standing. Indeed, it dates back to 1911, almost 100 years ago when Colorado agreed that Native American students would be admitted to Fort Lewis College tuition free. As many readers can attest, Fort Lewis offers a rich, vibrant and diverse educational experience. Roughly 760 Native American students are presently enrolled at Fort Lewis College, and it goes without saying that Fort Lewis College is proud of our heritage and our service to all of our students.

To quote Fort Lewis College President Brad Bartel, "Fort Lewis College understands that sacrifices must be made to help Colorado through these difficult economic times, but HB 10-1067 is not the answer. Fort Lewis College should not be penalized for fulfilling its statutory role and mission. The College is working to educate the legislature and the public concerning the reality of HB 10-1067."

If HB 10-1067 were to pass, Fort Lewis College intends to continue to fund the Native American Tuition Waiver. Current and future students would not see a reduction in their Native American Tuition Waiver funding, but HB-10-1067 would place additional strains on the Fort Lewis budget.

Again, this is just proposed legislation at this time. Fort Lewis Collge hopes that it does not pass and that we can continue to provide current service levels to all students. Even so, I encourage you to contact your local representatives to let them know your thoughts on HB 10-1067.

Welcome back!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Happy New Year, and I hope each of you are settling into 2010 with a renewed sense of optimism and resolution. Here in Durango, our campus is abuzz and full of energy. Today is the first day of our Winter Semester, and we are excited to have students back on campus.

As I think about the past few months, I am reminded that it has been a very dynamic and exciting time for us. Truly, Fort Lewis is a college on the move. Several recent developments reinforce our unique nature. They include:

• Dr. Ron Estler of the Chemistry Department recently was selected as the Colorado Professor of the Year. Dr. Estler will now compete for US Professor of the Year honors.

• Our Men’s Soccer team recently won the NCAA Division II National Championships, and our cycling team won the Collegiate Team Omnium National Championships in Cyclocross.

• Construction on the new $11.6 million Biology building will finish later this month. The new building will house the Biology and Agriculture departments along with a new greenhouse, animal facilities, laboratories, classrooms and offices.

• For prospective students, we will host three upcoming Skyhawk Saturdays for
--January 23, 8:30am-12:00 noon
--February 20, 8:30am-12:00 noon
--March 20, 8:30am-12:00 noon

As you can see, this is an engaging time at Fort Lewis We look forward to sharing our progress with you and to working with you.

Now it is time for me to get back to reviewing application files. Seniors--good luck with finishing your application.

Skyler at Durango Mountain Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:07:00 +0000

The Fort Lewis College mascot, Skyler the Skyhawk, made a visit to Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) on December 27. Skyler joined two FLC admission representatives in wishing DMR skiers and boarders a happy holiday season. No pun intended, but it was a beautiful bluebird day. Clear blue skies and excellent powder/packed powder conditions made it an enjoyable day on the slopes. With temperatures in the low 20s, Skyler and the FLC admissions counselors were on hand to provide some apres-ski relief--hot chocolate and cookies. As you can see in the photo, one of our younger Skyhawk fans was excited to have her picture taken with Skyler. This year, Fort Lewis College enters its second-year partnership with Durango Mountain Resort. Prospective students who visit the Office of Admission during ski season receive a complimentary lift ticket at DMR. I encourage you to visit with us this winter season to learn more about FLC and to take advantage of our great relationship with DMR. Happy holidays and best wishes for 2010.

Fort Lewis wins National Cyclocross Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:47:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Fort Lewis College cycling team for winning its 15th national championship in Bend, Oregon earlier this month. With the win at this year's national cyclocross championships, the FLC cycling team continues to stand atop the podium--The Skyhawks are ranked #1 by the National Collegiate Cycling Association. Special accolades are in order for Teal Stetson-Lee for winning the women's race and for Ben Sonntag for placing second in the men's race.

NCAA Champs!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 23:17:00 +0000

What a fall! First, the Fort Lewis College cycling team won the mountain bike national championship, and now, the men's soccer team has won the NCAA Division II National Championship.

You can watch the highlights of the 1-0 win over Lees-McRae College last weekend in Tampa, Fla. here.

Congratulations to the boys in blue and yellow as well as to their first-year head coach, Oige Kennedy. The FLC soccer tradition continues!

FLC Cycling Coach Paces Lance Armstrong

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:15:00 +0000

Matt Shriver, the Fort Lewis cycling team's coach, was enlisted by Lance Armstrong last weekend to help the 7-time Tour de France champion set a course record at the Leadville Trail 100. A former pro cyclist, Shriver pushed the early pace for Armstrong and ended up finishing 3rd overall in 7:09. Armstrong won the race in a blistering 6:28:50, a new course record by over 17 minutes. Reflecting on the day's ride, Shriver mused that "it was a pretty special day for Durango, for Fort Lewis and for myself." Shriver was decked out in his FLC kit, showing his Skyhawk pride.

Armstrong told VeloNews that he may thank Shriver for his assistance by visiting Fort Lewis to ride with the FLC team. We hope to see Lance here later this fall.

The Fort Lewis College Cycling team have won 13 national championships and are the reigning USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Champions. With a coach like Matt Shriver, I understand why the Skyhawks excel on the singletrack.

Allez Skyhawks.

Denver Send-Off Picnic for New Students

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Yesterday afternoon, the Fort Lewis College Office of Admission proudly sponsored the 3rd annual Denver-area New Student Send-Off Picnic. Held at Eisenhower Park in Denver, over 125 people attended this year's picnic. Aside from eating some good food, the picnic gave both students and parents a chance to meet each other a few days before FLC Orientation officially begins. Students came from all over the metro-Denver area and seemed to have fun at the event--playing frisbee, hackey-sack and bean-bag toss.

We even had a handful of alumni-- include the FLC Alumni Association's President Andy Chase--attend the picnic and share some words of wisdom with our soon to-be Skyhawks. Additional pictures of the Send-Off can be found on the Fort Lewis College's Class of 2013 Facebook page.

Finding the Right Fit

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:14:00 +0000

Real estate agents often chant the mantra of ”location, location, location” to their clients. As in buying a house, location shouldn’t be the sole driving force behind the college search process; nonetheless, it's still an important variable to consider. Over the past few months, you might have received admission information from colleges and universities, ans as you've noticed colleges reinforce their location in their publications. With striking photos of mountains, skyscrapers, or grassy quads, college viewbooks and websites play up their schools’ location. With all these great photos, you might ask yourself, where is the information on academics? Is there more to a school’s campus than the scenery? Obviously, the answer is yes, but you shouldn’t shy away from taking advantage of a college’s environment. College is perhaps the best four years of your life. It’s an opportunity for you to expand your intellectual and social horizons. It’s one great experiment. Follow me on a journey of how to think about which school's location will work for you.

The "right fit," like many phrases, can have various meanings and can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Your right fit might be different from mine. In thinking about schools, you’ll want to ask yourself: Do you like the cosmopolitan feel of a large city? Are you seeking a thriving music scene in a college town like Athens or Austin? Or do you want to stay close to home to be near family and friends?

Once you’ve identified your “right fit,” search for a college that is in your paradise. As an example, I’ll use Fort Lewis College. I am the Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College so it is an easy example for me. Fort Lewis is located in Durango, Colorado and the Four Corners region. Here, the San Juan Mountains meet the desert Southwest. It’s an incredible location. The area is surrounded by national forest, parks, mountain reservoirs and rivers. World-class skiing is 25 miles from campus; river rafting is in town; and great archaeology sites are only 30 minutes away. Heck, I ride a singletrack mountain bike trail to work. For students interested in the outdoors and wilderness, Fort Lewis College can be the perfect choice.

Here are some ways our students find their right fit at FLC:

1. Join student organizations: See what opportunities are available through the campus. Fort Lewis offers an Outdoor Pursuits club. It’s the largest club on campus and provides FLC students with such classes and trips as climbing (mountaineering, rock and ice), rafting/kayaking, avalanche safety, backcountry skiing/riding, canyoneering. Additionally, OP is the adventure hub of campus with an extensive equipment check-out program, outdoor resource library, bike and ski tune shop, and a knowledgeable staff. OP can provide maps, expert advice, reading material, and other resources to plan individual adventures.

2. Get to know the town. Since you will be living in a new community for four years, don’t hesitate to explore the town. Fort Lewis College and Durango offer a Welcome Week block party for new students. It’s a great way to learn about restaurants, shops, and other offers. Plus, there is usually some good, free food at events like this. Many restaurants and clubs offer college night specials on food. You can often eat well and on the cheap if you know the locations that offer college specials.

3. Explore the region. Within a two hour drive of Durango lay six different ecosystems. Three Native American reservations are within a 50 mile drive. Getting off campus will help you explore different areas of the country that perhaps you’ve never seen before. I had never had an Indian taco or Navajo frybread before moving to Durango. Now, I love it, and I know many FLC students who experienced these foods for the first time simply by being adventurous and getting off campus.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. You can stay on campus or you can get to know your college’s surrounding areas. I encourage you to do the latter. College is about expanding your horizons. I’m a firm believer that some of the most important learning experiences in college occur outside of the classroom and even off-campus. Be curious–explore and enjoy your college experience.

The Big Benefit of a Small College

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:58:00 +0000

As you are trying to figure out what type of college to attend, size should be a part of your consideration. Large universities and small colleges are different in many ways, and either option might work well for you depending on what you’re wanting out of your college experience. It’s really up to you and your interests. Considering that I work at a small liberal arts college, I’m admittedly biased toward the small college experience. Even so, I think it sensible to think about all the benefits that small colleges can offer you. Let’s take a look…

The Undergraduate Experience: Although large universities might have more academic options, including a greater variety of majors and graduate education opportunities, small colleges tend to focus on the undergraduate experience. By that, I mean that small colleges truly value undergraduate students. While professors conduct research, they are first and foremost committed to teaching. Small colleges are often considered teaching institutions. Without as stringent of a “publish or perish” policy, faculty members at smaller colleges have greater time to adequately prepare for class and to respond to students’ assignments in thoughtful and constructive manners because they are not overwhelmed with conflicting interests and research schedules. At small colleges, the saying would be “teach or perish.”

Privileged Access to Faculty: Since many small colleges don’t have extensive graduate programs, undergraduate students don’t have to compete with graduate students for faculty members’ time and support. Faculty members, not graduate students or teaching assistants, teach the courses, conduct labs, and hold office hours. As a result, students really get to know their faculty. A former student worker for me at Fort Lewis College recently invited 11 FLC faculty members to her wedding. She had made a conscious effort to get to know her professors. In turn, these individuals became mentors for this student: Two of them helped her land an internship after graduation, and three of them wrote letters of reference for graduate school applications. Without this relationship, undoubtedly she would have had a more difficult time in her graduate school search. Dr. Richard Light encourages students to get to know one faculty member well for each semester they are in college. Students who do so stay academically engaged and have a mentoring network to help them succeed in college and beyond.

Small Class Size: At a large university, it’s not unheard of to have a class of 500 students, especially during one’s freshmen year. These large sizes can be intimidating and unwelcoming for students. At a small college, that would never be the case. Most small colleges tend to have an average class size of 15-18. Faculty encourage discussion and interaction in their classes and can provide students with quick feedback on assignments. Professors are often available for one-on-one help and students have more direct interaction with their professors than their counterparts have at larger universities. Several studies have been completed over the years that look at class size. Most studies cite 20 students as the breaking point for the learning process. Once the class size extends beyond 20 students, the learning process is hampered. Moreover, large classes tend to have a higher absenteeism rate, and when compared, students in smaller classes show significant learning gains over students in the same course but in a larger section.

A Sense of Community: At small colleges, it is nearly impossible to get lost in the shuffle. Students, faculty, and administrators know each other on a first name basis. Faculty and staff often eat in the cafeteria with students and faculty members tend to serve as academic advisers, club sponsors, and in some situations, even coaches. There is a genuine sense of community at most small colleges. One of the key tenets for all who work at small colleges is the importance of student support and student interaction. Faculty at small colleges chose to work there because they want to develop meaningful interactions with peers and students and they want to be a direct influence for their students. Small colleges tend to be more collegial. There aren’t as many “empire builders” or hidden agendas and there is less hierarchy, and a greater focus on student success.

So as you are choosing a college or university, think closely about the type of experience you are seeking. If you enjoy getting to know other individuals beyond superficial levels, you want to work closely with professors, you don’t want to be lost in large classes, and you want to be recognized and known by others around you, a small college might be the right choice for you.

Preview Weekend 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:24:00 +0000

April 17-18 marked the 3rd annual Preview Weekend for Admitted Students at Fort Lewis College. Over 200 admitted students and their families visited Fort Lewis this weekend, including three families from Alaska.

Preview Weekend is perhaps our second favorite time in the school year, with the first being our Fall Convocation at which we will officially welcome new students into the FLC family. Our Preview Weekend is designed to provide students with the information they need to make a decision about whether Fort Lewis is the right choice for them. This year's activities included mock-classes, icebreaker activities with our Adventure Education students, a question/answer session with President Bartel, and a performance by our theater students. Students seemed to enjoy the activities, including some new ones like getting your picture taken with our mascot, Skylar Skyhawk as well as getting temporary FLC tattoos. I joined in the fun as well. Well, you can already see my picture (above) with Skylar, and I did get a tattoo. I just won't tell you where.

Students and their families left Fort Lewis College with a solid understanding of our philosophy on the undergraduate experience. Students experienced first-hand and found out for themselves why Fort Lewis is a such a special place. As our Preview Weekend guests saw we’re proud of our rich heritage yet we’re also proud of the visionary new direction in which we are headed.

The 2009 admitted class is one o the finest cohorts of students admitted by Fort Lewis: 3.23 average GPA, 1069 average SAT, and 105 CCHE Index score.

Tips for High School Juniors--Thinking about colleges

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:47:00 +0000

High school juniors out there--watch out. If you haven't taken the ACT or the SAT yet, get preparend. And I'm not referring to the test. I'm talking about the amount of mail you'll receive from colleges and universities after you sit for the test. By the end of the summer, you’ll probably have a stack of college brochures tall enough to poke through the stratosphere. Let’s be honest–choosing a college is no easy task, and some of these brochures only complicate matters. Right now you might still be trying to figure out: How will I pay for school? Do schools have my major? What do I want to study? Do I want a small school or a large university? Concerns like these are valid, and with over 4,000 colleges and universities to chose from, how will you ever decide? And you thought some of the SAT questions were hard! Relax–this month’s post will help point you in the right direction. In no time, you’ll know how to select the college that’s right for you. Here are my ABCs for choosing a college.

A. Academics: Keeping your academic and professional interests in mind should be a key aspect of your college decision process. Make sure a college offers your major. If you are undecided, select a college that is broadly-based and has a variety of majors to choose from. Looking specifically at colleges’ graduation requirements and core curricula will help you determine if there is room to try different classes or electives. Additional classes can expand your skill set and perhaps even your marketability on the job market. Think about international opportunities. Do you want to study abroad? You should also look at the faculty: what is their background, do they focus on teaching or research, what type of support will they provide? Consider how classes are taught: Is it a lecture format, or are there hands-on or experiential learning opportunities for students? You might also be mindful of colleges’ rankings and their annual report to the US Department of Education. Finally, look at career and graduate school placement. Where do students with your major work after graduation? Does the college provide career planning and assistance with employment placement?

B. Belonging: The college day is organized differently from high school. Unlike high school, you’ll be in class for only 3-4 hours per day as opposed to 7-8 hours per day. As a result, you have more free time. That’s not to say that you don’t need to use your free time to study; rather, you’ll have greater opportunity to take advantage of social, extracurricular and club activities. You want to find a college that “fits” with your personality and your interests. Make sure to visit the campuses that you are considering. Colleges can look very different in person as opposed to what’s printed on a glossy brochure. Get a sense for the students, their interests and what they do with their free time. Do you want to be a part of a fraternity or a sorority? What do students do on the weekend? Step back and reflect: Is this a place where I will be happy? Can I picture myself here for the next four years?

C. Cost: Cost is one of the main factors to consider when choosing which college to attend. In examining costs, consider expenses beyond tuition. Many students and families fail to consider the big picture and thus don’t realize that tuition is only a fraction of the overall costs. Other costs to consider should be housing, food, books, student fees, and cost of living expenses around the colleges that you are considering. Also don’t forget to look at your scholarship and financial aid offers. Be sure to read the fine print. Are the scholarships renewable? Do I need to take a certain number of credits? Do I need a maintain a certain GPA in order to keep my scholarship?

If you keep some of these ideas in mind, choosing a college should be as easy as 1-2-3. Or in this case, as easy as A-B-C. Good luck.

FLC Skyhawk Gets a Name

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:17:00 +0000

Over the past few weeks, Fort Lewis students have been considering names for our masot--the Skyhawk. Skyler debuted his new name during the varsity basketball games on Saturday. Hundreds of fans cheered the announcement and then went on to watch both Skyhawk basketball teams beat New Mexico-Highlands.

Skyler's new name came following a vote by the FLC and Durango communities. The quest to find a new name for the FLC mascot began weeks ago with a call for entries for the “Name the Skyhawk Contest” sponsored by the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC). Hundreds of name suggestions poured in.

The name choice was recently narrowed to 11 finalists and was put it to a vote. The voting was open to the College and Durango communities, as well as alumni.

Comment on my blog and tell me what you think of the new name.

FLC Partners with Durango Mountain Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 00:12:00 +0000

As ski season is now underway, Fort Lewis has some exciting news to share.

Fort Lewis College has partnered with Durango Mountain Resort (DMR) to offer a complimentary lift ticket to DMR for all prospective student visitors. The voucher also entitles guests/family members on tour with prospective students to one lift ticket per person at a 50% discount.

Call our admission office at 1-877-FLC-COLO to schedule your campus visit.

FLC Facebook Group--Class of 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

Fort Lewis is starting off the new year with our "Class of 2013" Facebook group. With the success of last year's Class of 2012 Facebook group (over 50% of our admitted student joined the group), we are excited about opening up this year's admitted student group.

This is a group for all admitted students who plan to attend Fort Lewis College in Fall 2009. By joining this group you will have the opportunity to meet other students who will be attending or are deciding to attend Fort Lewis. You will also receive updated news and important information about Fort Lewis College.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=57179183208

Join our group, and become a part of the FLC community.

Go Skyhawks!

Changes to the Fort Lewis Cycling Team

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 23:43:00 +0000

While much of the current cycling buzz might revolve around whether Lance Armstrong will ride in the 2009 Tour de France, Fort Lewis has its own cycling news...Beginning January 1, the Fort Lewis College cycling team will move over to the Department of Athletics. Previously as a club sport, FLC Cycling operated under Recreation Services. However, given the cycling team’s tremendous national success, the move makes sense. With the support of the Athletic Department and the joint leadership of Michael Engleman and Rick Crawford, the FLC cycling team will be in an even better position to stay ahead of the collegiate cycling peleton.

Fort Lewis College Cycling is the winner of eleven national championships and is the reigning USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Champions. The Skyhawks will race December 11-14 at the Cyclocross National Championship in Kansas City, MO. Good luck this weekend. Allez! Allez!

A Holistic Review Process

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:14:00 +0000

Election years are often filled with hope, anticipation and anxiety. This year was no exception. In addition to the obvious Presidential and congressional contests, several states had ballot initiatives for their voters to consider as well. Here in Colorado, Amendment 46, if passed, would have directly impacted higher education. Amendment 46 was designed to eliminate race and gender preferences in admissions to public universities. Backed by Ward Connerly who successfully advocated for similar ballot initiatives in California and Michigan, Amendment 46 was defeated 51% to 49%.

Affirmative action is a slippery slope, and I'm not here to discuss affirmative action policy in detail. I will, however, advocate for a holistic review of college applications. In short, some individuals feel that colleges and universities lower their standards through their affirmative action policies whereas others feel that affirmative action policies are necessary to correct historic wrongs and to promote diversity. Over the years, I've seen a growing number of colleges and universities gravitate toward a holistic review process in lieu of affirmative action policies and student enrollment quotas. At Fort Lewis College, we implemented a holistic process for this year's admission cycle, and it seems to be working well. Our holistic approach reaffirms our commitment to admitting students who are capable of succeeding in college and who are appropriate matches for our community of learners. The goal of admitting any student is to ensure his or her success. Typically, there is a direct correlation between academic aptitude (measured by GPA and test scores) and one’s academic persistence and success. It does not do anyone any favors to bring an ill-equipped student to a college campus. Through the holistic approach, we have a better understanding of a student's fit for our academic community.

In general, colleges should encourage academically capable, intellectually curious, mature and open-minded students to apply for admission. Across the country, student bodies are extremely diverse, possessing a multitude of different educational, cultural, and personal talents. Colleges should actively ensure that their study bodies are representative of the country as a whole and provide their students with the opportunity to interact with students who have different academic, political, cultural and economic outlooks.

I see great benefit to evaluating applicants on an individual basis, especially when a variety of factors such as applicant’s grades, class rank, number of completed academic units, ACT/SAT scores, extracurricular activities and personal talents are considered. Rather than relying solely on GPAs and test scores, colleges and universities should use highly personalized admission review process, one that stays true to the mission of the institution. Colleges should aim to provide pathways for success for all of their students. Simply put, the fiduciary responsibility of any college to ensure their students' success.

Andy is now on Twitter

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:17:00 +0000

Blogs, MySpace, Facebook, what's next? Twitter, well at least for me. A couple weeks ago I created a Twitter account. While I am still trying to figure out how to use it, Twitter operates like a mini-blog. It allows you to send a small update (only 140 characters), and it also allows you to send and receive updates via your Facebook, email accounts and even blogs. Look in the bottom right hand-corner of this page for my Twitter updates.

I hope you follow me on Twitter (@andyburns5280), and feel free to give me any advice on how to use it. I plan to use my twitter account for brief updates on events here on campus as well as for sharing articles and policy papers about higher education.

Talk to you soon.

Wilma Mankiller to Speak at Fort Lewis College

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Wilma Mankiller, the former first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, will be the 2008 FLC Presidential Native American Lecture Series speaker. The lecture takes place on November 6, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College. The event is free and open to the public.

Truly a pioneer among her people, Wilma Mankiller served as the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation beginning in 1985. The causes she championed included better healthcare, and women’s and children’s rights. Her success as a leader led to her re-election as chief for a second term.

Today she is an advocate for free speech and free press in Washington, D.C. as a trustee for the Freedom Forum, a nonpartisan foundation.

Her work has brought her many honors, such as being inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame.

The popular FLC Presidential Native American Lecture Series brings prominent members of the Native American community to Fort Lewis College. In the past, such speakers as Sherman Alexie and M. Scott Mommaday have visited campus.

FLC--National Champs...Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:08:00 +0000

While I try to keep my blog clear of shameless self-promotion, sometimes, it's needed. I'd like to congratulate the Fort Lewis College cycling team on their 9th mountain bike national championship. At the 2008 USA Cycling Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships in Banner Elk, North Carolina this past weekend, Fort Lewis College bested the field including the host Lees-McRae to win the Division I team competition. Dave Hagen, the FLC cycling coach, had nothing but compliments for the FLC riders. "It was a great day for us," Hagen said. We had a bunch of riders who really stepped up for us." This year, we brought a more well-rounded team. And we did well in both (dual slalom and downhill)."

As someone who slowly rides his bike to work, I have great respect and admiration for our riders. Congratulations!

Dorm Life

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 23:04:00 +0000

One of the defining aspects of college life is the residence hall. The anxiety associated with moving away from home, doing your own laundry and living with a complete stranger can keep many seniors awake at night. Indeed, dorm life is one of the one of the biggest adjustments to college. The questions that fly through high school seniors' minds are often anxiety-ridden: What if I don't get along with my roommate? Do I want the top bunk or the bottom bunk? Why if my roommate is messier than me? Will I be homesick?

To help with the transition to life away from home, Fort Lewis has developed some innovative programming for our residence halls. We offer five Living Learning Communities (LLC) -- exciting options for residential students. By joining an LLC, you live with other students with common interests and who are similarly invested in having fun and learning together. LLCs combine a common interest or theme with the social aspects of a campus housing community. The result is an experience that will last a lifetime.

In addition, Fort Lewis is excited to offer a new residence hall this fall. Animas Hall is the College’s new $12 million residence hall. The facility will offer 148 students suite-style living accommodations with the most modern conveniences, such as flat panel TVs and wireless Internet access. The hall will also include faculty/staff apartments and classroom space. Construction on the project has already begun and it is anticipated that students will begin moving in for the fall 2009 semester. Check out some of the photos below.

While dorm life can be overwhelming at first, conversations and time in my residence hall include some of my fondest college experiences. Its OK to be nervous, but remember your rooommate is as well. You're not alone in your feelings. Here are some quick tips on adjusting to your home away from home.

1. Talk to friends or older siblings who have lived in a college dorm. Get an understanding from them about the fun as well as the challenging aspects. If possible, try to spend the night with a colelge friend in his or her dorm room.

2. Prior to arriving on campus, call or e-mail your roommate. Get to know them as individual. Many a friendships are formed between college roommates. I still stay in touch with my freshmen roommate.

3. Once on campus, be social. Take the time to get to know your roommate and others on your hall. These are friendships that will last a lifetime.

4. Use Skype or other video/phone systems to communicate with your family. You're not as far away from home as you might first imagine.

Again, enjoy the transition to college. It's a lot of change, but it's exciting and a great time in your life.

Writing your personal essay

noreply@blogger.com (Andy Burns--Director of Admission at Fort Lewis College) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:41:00 +0000

On October 26, seniors will breathe a sigh of relief. The ACT will be behind them, and they will have jumped over a major hurdle in the college admission process. Are the admission hurdles now a thing of the past for our college-bound seniors? Not quite yet... And students realize that.

As I meet high school seniors from throughout New Mexico this week, they are anxious about the remaining aspects of the college application process, namely their personal essays. Here are some of the reoccurring personal essay-related questions that I've heard this week:

What should I write about?
Is there a right way to write my essay?
Should I have a counselor proofread it?
What if I don't have enough space to tell my story?

After hearing the same questions at several high school presentations, I decided to focus this week's blog on the personal essay. Hopefully, it will allay some of the concerns out there.

While writing the personal essay can be one of the most challenging aspects of the admission process, it's an opportunity to let admission officers understand who you are as a person. You should take advantage of this chance to tell your unique story. You're more than a GPA, an AP score or class rank. Colleges want to learn more about you--about you as an individual or about your interests. I encourage students to write about a passion of theirs--something that excites them. Think about your favorite birthday or an exotic family vacation. Now think about yard work or household chores. As you probably would agree, it's easier to describe experiences that are enjoyable, invigorating or rewarding. Writing about your passions allows your true character to come forth.

As you think about writing your essay, be sure to set aside enough time. Students should block 3-4 two-hour blocks of time spread out over a 2 week span. This allows students to properly create an outline for their essays, to critically reflect on the content, and to share various drafts with parents or counselors. You should not assume that you will have your final draft completed after one setting. The weakest essays are often the ones assembled at the last minute. Most admission counselors read between 500-1000 applications per season, and it's easy to spot a last-minute essay. Give your essays a chance to develop with time. Many first drafts start out too long. That's OK. You will reduce the essay's size through proofreading and by reflecting on it over time. To paraphrase T.S. Elliot, if I had more time, I would have written a shorter personal essay.

Once you have begun to write your essay, maintain a consistent voice and theme. Admission officers are looking for the clarity of your writing style and an understanding of your sentence structure in addition to the essay's content. Always include specific, concrete examples. Essays that rely on vague generalities don't provide the same level of understanding or comprehension for the reader. While still being succinct, we want the writer to use specific examples.

Students should stay within the word count limits. While admission officers aren't going to automatically deny admission to a student whose essay exceeds the word count, be mindful that admission officers are reading a 20-40 applications per night and don't have time to sort through an extra page. After a long day of reading applications, a 5 page essay instead of a 2 page essay could have a negative subjective response from your reader. Indeed, don't feel compelled to use the entire word count. I've seen many an essay fall apart at the end because the writer forced the final 50 words.

The essay's tone can cause concern for students. Students often try to add humor to their essay, but I encourage you to be careful about using humor. In some situations, it can work. In other situations, it can backfire woefully. My recommendation is to use humor only if it comes naturally to you as part of your writing style. Again, be yourself, and let your inner voice shine through. On the flip side, don't be pretentious or snooty. Just be yourself.

Finally, proofread, proofread, proofread. Each year, I see a handful of essays with misspellings or worse yet, the use of the wrong college's name in the essay. You should always have a friend, parent or counselor read your essay before you submit it. I also find reading essays aloud--as a means of proofreading--to be an effective way to catch mistakes or questionable sentences. I recall a student a few years ago who ended his essay with "It's been a lifelong dream to attend INSERT NAME OF COLLEGE HERE." Please avoid mistakes like this.

Obviously, there are many other aspects of the personal essay to cover--Too many to cover if I am to follow my own advice of being succinct. To continue the conversation, please feel free to share your thoughts or questions on the personal essay.