General Information

What is MASP?

The Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program is an inclusive scholarship and academic enrichment program for traditionally underrepresented and/or first-generation college students in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.

What is PEAC?

The Program for Excellence in Academics & Community (PEAC) is an intensive 3-week residential academic program that prepares students for the university through 5 non-credit courses, along with a wide variety of fun community-building activities.

What does MASP provide students?

Please visit our Program Resources page.

What are the benefits of PEAC?
  • An intense curriculum that prepares highly motivated first year students for the rigor of a higher learning institution
  • Participate in PEAC free of charge – all instruction, room and board, and activity costs are included
  • Familiarize yourself with the CU Boulder campus and the abundant resources
  • Engage in a number of community building activities and fun excursions
  • At the conclusion of the program, students who complete PEAC receive a $1000 participation stipend and become eligible for MASP and its related participation scholarship and benefits
  • Opportunity to meet friends and build a solid support system to help ease your transition to college and ensure success throughout your college career
How do I join MASP?

Incoming first year students who succesfully finish PEAC will be invited to MASP.

How many students attend PEAC?

Around 40 to 45 First Year Students entering the University of Colorado Boulder.

PEAC Application FAQs

How do I apply to PEAC?

Apply to PEAC

When is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply for PEAC Summer is early Spring.Please email masp@colorado.edu for more information.

When will I be notified about the decision?

Notifications are issued around early May. Upon notification, you will have one week to accept or decline participation.

I have been accepted to CU Boulder, but I haven’t confirmed my enrollment. Can I still apply for PEAC?

Yes, we encourage you to apply to PEAC even if you haven’t made your final decision about attending CU Boulder.

Do I have to be committed to CU Boulder to attend PEAC?

Yes. The program is designed specifically for students matriculating into CU Boulder. Along with preparing for higher learning academics, one of the main benefits of PEAC is that it provides an in-depth focus on CU’s campus and resources to familiarize first year students prior to attending their first semester at CU Boulder. Therefore, you must be attending CU Boulder in the upcoming academic semester to participate in the summer PEAC.

I have conflicts during PEAC, can I still participate in the summer program?

No. PEAC is a time-intensive residential experience that requires students to have full availability for the length of the program, including weekends.

I have conflicts during PEAC. Can I still join MASP my first semester?

First year CU Boulder students who do not complete PEAC can apply to MASP as current CU students. However, you would have to wait to apply until you are enrolled in the Fall. If accepted, you are eligible to receive the scholarship after attending our weekend bridge program, LINC.

I am not interested in attending PEAC. Can I still be a part of MASP?

First year CU Boulder students who do not complete PEAC can apply for LINC as a current CU student. However, you would have to wait to apply until you are enrolled in the Fall. 

How much does the program cost?

It is free for students to participate in PEAC! The cost of room, board, activities, and instruction are all included upon acceptance into the PEAC.

Are travel expenses covered?

No, travel expenses to CU Boulder are not included with the program; however, the participation stipend ($1000) may help to cover some of these costs.

Is there a stipend for participation?

Yes. Upon completion of the program, each student receives a $1000 participation stipend.

How is the stipend issued?

The stipend is issued as a check addressed to the student.

When is the stipend issued?

The stipend is issued as a check after completion of the program at PEAC graduation.

I won't be able to arrive on move-in day. Can I still participate in the summer program?

No. PEAC is a time-intensive residential experience that requires students to have full availability for the length of the program, including move-in weekend.

Do I have to use the stipend for tuition?

No. The stipend is issued as a check to be used at your discretion and can be used on anything of your choice.

What is the criteria for completing PEAC?

The criteria for completing PEAC is participating for the entire three weeks. While every student receives grades and specific feedback from instructors, these do not dictate whether you complete the program. Successful completion is determined by your presence and participation in the whole experience.

PEAC Program FAQs

Do I get to choose the classes I take?

The classes you take during PEAC are predetermined, and every student takes the same classes. We offer a diverse number of classes for students of all majors and interests. This year, we are offering Natural Science, Quantitative Reasoning, Social Science, Humantities, and Written Communication. These courses mirror the General Education requirements of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Do I receive college credit for PEAC classes?

No. While students will receive grades and instructor feedback from the classes they take during PEAC, these classes are intended to prepare students for the workload of a college class and give them a look at some basic information in the subject. These grades will not count for credit or go on the student’s official transcript, partially due to the time constrictions of PEAC and also to help the students “practice” before attending in the fall.

What if I do not receive a passing grade in one of my classes?

PEAC classes are intended to show students a realistic, hands-on experience of a college class before they attend in the fall. The failing grade will not go on your official record and your MASP mentor will guide you through the process of creating an academic plan to get you on track for your first semester.

What if I don’t know my major?

No worries! PEAC is an opportunity to experience college first-hand and will help guide you towards your future field of study by exposing you to a diverse number of course subjects.

What kind of activities are offered?

PEAC Community-Building Activities

  • Whitewater River Rafting
  • Challenge Course
  • Trip to Brainard Lake
  • Shakespeare Festival
  • Fiske Planetarium
  • Ice Cream Social
  • Local Activities: Volleyball, Frisbee, Soccer, Yoga, and More
Do I have to live on campus?

Yes. All PEAC students are required to live on campus for the entire three weeks, including weekends. Room and board (in a CU Boulder residential hall, including a meal plan) is included free of charge.

How are roommates assigned?

Upon acceptance to PEAC, you will receive a roommate questionnaire that asks about your living preferences. You will be matched with a roommate of your gender that most closely matches your living preferences and interests.

Can I choose to room alone?

While some students have ended up living alone due to the layout of the residence halls in the past, this is a completely random selection process and you will most likely end up living with a roommate.

Can my parents visit during PEAC?

Yes, parents are welcome to visit campus during the program and with director’s notice, students are able to leave campus with their parents for dinner, shopping, etc. during allotted free time.

Can I leave for the weekend during PEAC?

PEAC is a time-intensive residential experience that requires students to have full availability for the length of the program, including weekends. While students cannot leave for the entire weekend, they may request off-campus leave during free-time (any time there isn't a scheduled activity). All students must return to campus for mandatory activities. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis (religious, medical, etc.) 

Can I work a part-time job during PEAC?

No. PEAC is a time-intensive residential experience that requires students to have full availability for the length of the program, including weekends.

Can I take community college classes during PEAC?

No. PEAC is a time-intensive residential experience that requires students to have full availability for the academic responsibilities of PEAC.

Can my significant other, friend, or sibling spend the night?

No. Students may not have overnight guests regardless of their relation to the student.

Do I have to live in the same residential hall in the fall?

No. Your PEAC residential assignment is separate from your residential assignment for the Fall semester.