2009-10 University Catalog

CU-Boulder's vision is grounded in its statutory mission as a national public research university. In Colorado statute, the university is defined as the "comprehensive graduate research university with selective admissions standards . . . , offer(ing) a comprehensive array of undergraduate, master, and doctoral degree programs" of what is now designated the University of Colorado System.

CU-Boulder recognizes the exceptional opportunities associated with its role as a research university, and values the unique strength and character research achievements bring to undergraduate education. It is keenly aware of its responsibility for educating the next generation of citizens and leaders, and for fostering the spirit of discovery through research. Indeed, CU-Boulder believes that its students, both graduate and undergraduate, benefit from the comprehensive mix of programs and research excellence that characterize a flagship university. Thus, CU-Boulder's statutory mission is relevant today and will remain relevant tomorrow.

As a comprehensive university, CU-Boulder is committed to the liberal education of students via a broad curriculum ranging from the baccalaureate through the postdoctoral levels.

With an enrollment of more than 29,000 students, the University of Colorado at Boulder is the largest campus in the three-campus system. The student population comes from every state in the nation and from more than 100 foreign countries. Many different ethnic, religious, academic, and social backgrounds are represented, fostering the development of a multicultural academic community that enriches each student's educational experience.

On the Boulder campus, the chancellor is the chief academic and administrative officer and is responsible for conducting campus affairs in accordance with the policies of the Regents, and overseeing the Athletic Department. The provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs is responsible for planning and implementing all academic and research activities. The senior vice chancellor and chief financial officer provides management information on topics ranging from finances and personnel to strategic planning, enrollment, and instruction. The vice chancellor for student affairs is responsible for providing direct academic support programs, student administrative support of academic programs, and support of student life on campus and Athletics Department programs. The vice chancellor for administration is responsible for campuswide activities that provide administrative assistance, goods, and services to persons and organizations engaged in instruction, research, and public service on campus.

Faculty participate in campus governance through the Faculty Senate and the Faculty Assembly. Students participate through the University of Colorado Student Union (UCSU) and the United Government of Graduate Students (UGGS).

Full-time instructional faculty members number approximately 1,250, with at least 91 percent holding doctorates or appropriate terminal degrees. The faculty includes nationally and internationally recognized scholars with many academic honors and awards, including John Hall, winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize in physics; Carl Wieman and Eric Cornell, winners of the 2001 Nobel Prize in physics; and Tom Cech, winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize in chemistry. Seven faculty have received MacArthur Fellowships, the so-called "genius grant." Twenty-one active or retired faculty are members of the National Academy of Sciences; 18 are included in the membership of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences; 12 are members of the National Academy of Engineering; and five are members of the National Academy of Education. Most faculty members, including full professors, teach both undergraduate and graduate classes. Faculty members incorporate their research and creative activities directly into instructional programs.

Research conducted at CU-Boulder is supplemented by research institutes devoted both to the advancement of knowledge in particular areas and to graduate training. Many of these institutes have developed international reputations. For a detailed description of research institutes and other important research facilities associated with the university, see the Graduate School section.

To enhance its research capabilities and to provide collaborative opportunities with government and business, CU-Boulder developed a 200-acre research park east of the main campus. The park provides expanded room for research institutes and centers that work closely with university researchers.

The educational environment of a research university is characterized by a broad range of experiences in many different settings. While the classroom is the location for most instructional activities, laboratories, seminars, and field work also are important features of the undergraduate and graduate experience. Some programs encourage off-campus internships and training; study abroad programs also have gained popularity. For students whose interests cross traditional disciplinary lines, a number of interdisciplinary programs are available.

CU-Boulder is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, at an altitude of 5,400 feet. The Flatirons geologic formation is visible from nearly everywhere on campus. The climate is temperate, with generally pleasant days and cool evenings. On average, Boulder enjoys about 340 sunny or partly sunny days each year. The main campus covers 600 acres and includes about 200 buildings constructed of rough-cut Colorado sandstone with red tile roofs. The rural Italian (or Tuscan vernacular) architectural style evolved from a master plan developed by Philadelphia architect Charles Klauder in 1919. The Norlin Quadrangle, including the original Old Main building, is listed in the State and National Register of Historic Places. The campus has been noted as one of the most aesthetically pleasing in the country.

Boulder County encompasses five ecological zones, from 5,000 feet above sea level (plains grassland) to 14,000 feet (alpine tundra). Downtown Boulder is only 20 miles from the Continental Divide and boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. The city of Boulder, population 96,000, is committed to preserving its beautiful natural environment and is surrounded by 26,000 acres of open space.

Contemporary environmental design and renovated historic buildings combine to give the city a pleasant, well-planned atmosphere. The natural beauty of the locale attracts a variety of individuals to the area: scientists, business people, and professionals as well as writers, artists, and craftspeople. Consequently, the city is a center of high technology enterprise, scientific research, and cultural activity.

Denver, the state's capital city, is 30 miles from Boulder. Denver offers the attractions and resources of a large metropolitan area and is accessible from Boulder by traveling on U.S. 36, also known as the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. Denver's international airport is served by most major carriers and is located approximately 60 minutes southeast of Boulder. Boulder and the Denver International Airport are connected by a public transportation system.

CU-Boulder's fall 2008 entering freshman class numbered 5,833. Of these, 50 percent were females, 53 percent residents of Colorado, and 16 percent members of minority groups (African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans). Sixty-eight percent enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences, 13 percent in the Leeds School of Business, 12 percent in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and 7 percent, combined, enrolled in the College of Architecture and Planning and the College of Music. About 20 percent of freshmen entering CU-Boulder transfer to another college or school within the university before they graduate.

Of the freshmen entering in summer or fall 2002 who enrolled full time, 41 percent graduated within four years; 64 percent graduated within five years; and 67 percent graduated within six years. Of the students who entered in fall 2007, 84 percent returned for their second fall semester.

• College of Business and Administration
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Applied Science
• Graduate School
• College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
• Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• Graduate School of Public Affairs

Near the heart of downtown, the campus is conveniently located on the Auraria Campus with easy access to Denver's commercial and governmental hubs. Schools and colleges on this campus include:

• College of Architecture and Planning
• College of Arts & Media
• Business School
• School of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering and Applied Science
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Public Affairs

The Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora delivers a broad network of health care programs. In addition to the University of Colorado Hospital, a number of renowned institutes are affiliated with the campus. The Anschutz Medical Campus presents state-of-the-art education and research facilities with an adjoining biomedical park. Schools and colleges on this campus include:

• School of Dental Medicine
• School of Medicine
• College of Nursing
• School of Pharmacy
• Colorado School of Public Health
• Graduate School