CMC Glenwood Springs Campus: What should I know?

I'm really interested in the Colorado Mountain College's Glenwood Springs campus cause it's breathtakingly beautiful and the outdoor training programs. Could anyone tell me more about the academics, campus life, or anything that might not be obvious on the website?

Sure, happy to share what I know about CMC Glenwood Springs campus! As you already seem to know, the campus is surrounded by awe-inspiring nature, which imparts students an incredible perspective of the outdoors right from the classroom.

As for academics, CMC Glenwood Springs campus offers both Associate (2-year) and Bachelor's (4-year) degrees across a variety of fields. However, it's particularly known for its Outdoor Education program, which makes great use of the natural surroundings. If you're into anything related to outdoor pursuits, conservation, or adventure sports, it's a commendable program.

On the other hand, popular AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degrees include Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. If that's more in line with your interests, you'd experience a blend of hands-on training and classroom learning. In fact, the Culinary Arts program operates its own café, where students practice their skills and learn the day-to-day of foodservice operations.

Regarding campus life, what students often highlight is the strong sense of community at the Glenwood Springs campus. The student body is relatively small, allowing for more intimate class sizes and individualized attention from instructors. Many students enjoy the close-knit, supportive atmosphere this creates.

That said, life outside the classroom is a big part of the experience here, especially considering the access you have to outdoor activities. The campus is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and open spaces, so hiking, skiing, rock climbing, and fly fishing are all popular pastimes. As you might expect, many students are passionate about outdoor pursuits, so it's a great place to bond with like-minded peers.

One thing that might not be obvious from the website is that CMC campuses, including Glenwood Springs, can seem quite different from larger, more traditional colleges. For instance, unlike many four-year institutions, you won't find fraternities, sororities, or a large selection of on-campus housing. While student clubs and organizations are available, the overall extent of extracurricular options can be less expansive compared to larger universities.

In summary, Colorado Mountain College's Glenwood Springs campus offers a unique blend of academics and outdoor adventure. The community feel, the access to nature, and the academic programs--particularly those that capitalize on the natural surroundings--are all points of attraction. However, it's always a good idea to visit if you can or connect with currently enrolled students to really get the lay of the land and see if it's the right fit for you.