A Community of Academic Success!

 Academic excellence is one of the primary values of the Key Communities. We ask participants to be dedicated to high academic performance and take advantage of the support and resources available for success. 

Fall Semester Co-Registration for Classes

A Cluster is the set of three classes that Key students enroll with 19 other students in the program. You will select one of the two Key Health Professions designated seminar courses: LIFE 180 – Bridging Chemistry & Biology with Health Issues. Each seminar section will have 19 students enrolled and is a small academically focused class designed specifically for first year students. Your Key Mentor serves as the Teaching Assistant for the Key Health Professions Seminar class.

Key Health Professions students will also enroll in same lecture section of LIFE 102 – Attributes of Living Systems and select a designated Key Health Professions lab section for LIFE 102. LIFE 102 is an introductory biology course required by most science majors; is a part of the All University Core Curriculum; and is a prerequisite for many health professions programs. Since all Key Health Professions students will be required to take the same sections of LIFE 102, facilitated study groups for this class will be offered for Key students.

Key Health Professions students will also select at least one additional Key Health Professions Cluster course for the fall semester. There are a limited number of spaces available for Key Health Professions students in each class available on a first served basis including but not limited to:

  • CO 150 College Composition (*Requires appropriate composition placement)
  • MATH 155 Calculus for Biological Sciences (*requires appropriate math placement)
  • CHEM 111 General Chemistry I (*requires appropriate math placement)
  • CHEM 112 General Chemistry Lab (requires CHEM 111 prerequisite or concurrent registration)
  • SOC 105 Social Problems in Contemporary Society.

*Please Note: All entering students are required to take the Colorado State University Mathematics Placement Examination (MPE) unless they have already earned transferable University credit for a course in college level mathematics. Students are strongly advised to review the math placement information and prepare for the exam by using the Math Placement Exam review materials available online at the Department of Math

Many of these classes are larger university lecture classes, while LIFE 180 is a small section comprised of only the 19 Key students registered for that cluster. Each of the classes, aside from LIFE 180, within the clusters fulfills All University Core Curriculum. The Key Seminar class is required for participation in Key and will count as elective credit. In the spring semester Key Health Professions students will enroll in a one credit seminar course.

LIFE 180: Bridging Chemistry & Biology with Health Issues Seminar Description

LIFE 180 was developed as a bridging course between LIFE 102 and CHEM 111/112. The course focuses on themes such as chemistry, metabolism and molecular genetics. The goal of this course is to use inquiry-based exercises, readings and discussions centered around societal and health related issues to support the development of critical thinking and quantitative reasoning skills.

Academic Support

Students will have the opportunity to participate in group study and library hours with other students enrolled in their Key Health Professions classes. Mentors can also provide referrals to tutoring opportunities available on campus. In addition, Key Health Professions students will be given the opportunity to attend workshops to help strengthen and support their time management, study skills, and career interests.

Academic Progress Conferences

First-time university students find it very helpful to get the most detailed feedback possible on their academics and adjustment to residence life. As a Key Health Professions student, you will have the unique opportunity to meet individually from time to time with program staff to review your progress and consider strategies for achieving your best performance. Mid-semester Academic Progress Conferences are individual meetings with your Key Mentor to discuss your progress on the goals that you set at the beginning of the year related to academics, leadership, and community. Key Mentors will share grade feedback from your professors during this meeting. 

Key Communities
The Key Communities are diverse first and second year learning communities for students committed to academic excellence, leadership development, diversity understanding, service and volunteerism, and community.
Key Communities
Key Communities
The Key Plus Community is an optional sophomore year program with leadership and career decision-making tracks for students who participated in the Key Academic, Key Service, Key Explore in their first year.
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Key Communities
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Key Communities
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The Key Service Community is a first-year residential community devoloped around the theme of "student leadership and civic engagement." In this community, students take advantage of year-long service opportunities building connections with faculty and community organizations.
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Key Communities
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