Key Health Professions: Frequently Asked Questions

 

 For general questions regarding the Key Communities: Key FAQs

 APPLICATION AND PROGRAM QUESTIONS:

By applying to and being admitted into Key Health Professions, what are my commitments?

  • Strive for academic excellence
     
  • Fully abide by residence hall and Colorado State University student conduct policies
     
  • Contribute positively to the Key Health Professions Community of students, staff, and faculty
     
  • Be a positive representative of the Key Health Professions Community
     
  • Reside on the designated Key Health Professions Community floor in Corbett Hall for the fall 2012 and spring 2013 semesters
     
  • Conduct myself in Corbett hall and on campus in a way that positively contributes toward developing a community
    based on academic excellence, civility and respect
     
  • Register for a Key Course Cluster
     
  • Participate in the Key Health Professions Spring Seminar with my cluster
     
  • Meet with my Key Mentor periodically throughout the year including mid-semester Academic Progress Conferences and for the Taking Stock Program
     
  • Attend at least 3 Key Health Professions Community programs per semester (fall and spring)
     
  • Take part in Key Health Professions sponsored service events in Spring 2013
     
  • Meet with a Health Professions Advisor for pre-professional guidance at least one each semester (fall and spring)
     
  • Attend Key Orientation:
    Check into my room before noon (12:00 pm) on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 and attend the Key Orientation program Wednesday afternoon (August 15) , all day Thursday (August 16), and additional weekend activities provided by my college or department for Ram Welcome . 

    PLEASE NOTE: There is a one-time room and board fee will be charged to your student account for the early move-in requirement. This fee will be the student's responsibility to pay.
     
  • Attend the “Key Spring Kick Off” at the beginning of the spring 2013 semester.

Do I have to have a certain major in order to be a part of this community? What happens if I loose interest in health careers?

  • Since Pre-Health professions (Pre-medicine, Pre-Physical Therapy, etc.) are not majors at Colorado State University, students can pick any major and still pursue a health professions career track. Professional schools neither recommend, nor prefer a particular major. However, you will need to complete the prerequisite coursework required by each professional school to which you intend to apply in addition to meeting graduation requirements for your major. 
     
  • Keep in mind that even though professional schools don't specify a particular major, students who choose a non-science major are advised to take science courses in tracks designed for science majors.
     
  • We have designed our Key Cluster Classes to work for students in a variety of majors because the courses in the Cluster (aside from the Key Seminar) are All University Core Curriculum courses.
     
  • Even if you change your major during or decide that a health career track is no longer what you're interested in, you will continue to receive support and guidance from your Key Mentor, Key Coordinator, and other faculty and staff as you decide upon a new major/career path.

COURSE CLUSTER:

What are Key Health Professions Cluster classes?

  • A Cluster is the set of 3 classes that Key students enroll with 18 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 for first year students.
    •  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
       
  • Key Health Professions students will also enroll in the same lecture of LIFE 120--Attributes of Living Systems and select a designed Key Health Professions lab section for LIFE 102. LIFE 102 is an introductory biology course required by most science majors; is 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 a 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 (*required 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 www.math.colostate.edu/placement/placement.shtml.
       
  • In the spring semester, Key Health Professions students will enroll in a one credit seminar course
     
  • The student's Key Mentor serves as the Teaching Assistant for the Key Health Professions Seminar class

When do I register for my classes, including the Key Health Profession Cluster?

  • Most students register for classes at PREVIEW, the summer orientation required for incoming students to CSU. If you have not registered for PREVIEW, you can do so by logging onto:http://www.casa.colostate.edu/orientation/ . We HIGHLY recommend Key students to sign up and attend PREVIEW early, so that you have the best options for classes. We also recommend this because your room and roommate assignment will occur once you are registered for cluster classes, which happens at PREVIEW.
     
  • If you have questions about PREVIEW or concerns about attending, please contact the Orientation Office at (970) 491-6011 or visit http://www.casa.colostate.edu/orientation/preview/.
     
  • Out-of-state students who are unable to attend Orientation may request remote advising and registration by visiting http://remotes.casa.colostate.edu HOWEVER, if you are an out-of-state student who is accepted into Key Health Professions, you will need to register for a Key Cluster as well; please contact Rebecca Villalpando, Key Health Professions Coordinator at 970-491-4261 or rebecca.villalpando@colostate.edu

INVOLVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

What are the opportunities and advantages for participating in Key Health Professions?

  • Co-registration for classes: You'll enroll and attend at least three classes with other students from Key whom also live in Parmelee hall
     
  • Group Study Hours: There will be a chance for you to study together, ask questions, and enhance your study skills through study hours and using tutoring services
     
  • Feedback on how you're doing: Resident Assistants and Peer Mentors will help you evaluate your learning effectiveness. They can also connect you to campus resources to help you get more out of your classes
     
  • Leadership Development: You'll have opportunities to learn more about leadership, taking responsibility for your education, setting high standards and goals, and finding ways to get more out of your University experience—for yourself and others.
     
  • Connection with faculty and staff: Key Health Professions students will work with an advisor within their academic major to ensure they meet graduation requirements. Key students who are interested in health professions will also work with Health Professions Advisors to ensure they incorporate the prerequisites for professional health programs into their major program of study. Additionally, other faculty and staff will be joining you from time to time for a mean or discussion in your resident hall.
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