CSU-Pueblo to host summer Maestro program July 10-August 11

PUEBLO – This summer, students can experience an innovative model of instruction during a month-long residential program for which they can earn up to 15 credit hours from Colorado State University-Pueblo. CSU-Pueblo will offer the “MAESTRO” Summer Program from July 10-August 11 for a maximum of 40 students interested in earning college credit while participating in a unique, hands-on curriculum and exploring the Southwest during day-long Saturday excursions.

The cost of the 30-day program is $2900 per person, which covers room, board, tuition, books, and all off-campus trips to historical and industrial sites in Southern Colorado. Students may earn General Education credits in computer information systems, English, history, and elective credits in Outdoor Pursuits as part of the program. Acceptance to CSU-Pueblo and an enrollment deposit for the fall 2017 semester at CSU-Pueblo are required prior to registering for the MAESTRO Summer Program. The priority deadline for enrollment is June 15, 2017. Financial aid may be used to cover the total cost of the program.

CS 136 Southwest History (fulfills Gen Ed History requirement)

US 151 Intro to Academic life

CIS 291 Technology & Society

REC 291 MAESTRO, Outdoor Pursuits

And ENG 099 or 101

According to Dr. Donna Souder Hodge, executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, the curriculum will employ a “one-room schoolhouse” model of instruction: three tenured faculty (in English, computer information systems, and history/Chicano studies) will work together to simultaneously offer three academic emphasis areas that will engage students in hands-on learning opportunities and regional excursions connected to the unique thematic histories and modern contexts of the Southwest. During the 30-day program, students will write argumentative essays and journal daily – all in preparation for the larger college essays to come. Additionally, students will learn and incorporate algebraic, geometric, and statistical methods in order to better understand the histories and arguments they’ll be contemplating in class. 

Campus move in will occur the morning of July 10 with mandatory program orientation in the afternoon. Classes begin July 11. The first all-day excursion will occur on Saturday, July 15; coursework will conclude August 10; move out is August 11. Classes will run from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m., including tutoring, one-on-one advising, and a one-hour lunch break. These class days will include guest speakers and films, visits to museums, historical sites, and outdoor locations of natural beauty, as well as hands-on activities including, but not limited to, adobe brickmaking, work with native textiles, and other academic and personal skill-building experiences. This program will end with a student-led and created symposium, during which students will make an argument for the importance of cross- and inter-disciplinary, hands-on learning and enrichment.

The daily schedule will be as follows:

• Mondays and Tuesdays: Journaling, Lectures, Innovative Critical Discussions, and Group Work
• Wednesday: Hands-on Creating, Films, Guest Lectures
• Thursdays and Fridays: “Connecting the Historical to the Modern”
• Saturdays: All-Day Excursions
• Sundays: Tutoring and Discussion Groups

For more information on the summer program, contact MAESTRO Program Coordinator, Dr. Derek Lopez, at 719.549.2535 or at derek.lopez@csupueblo.edu. Visit the Center for Teaching and Learning online in order to read more about the program, meet the summer faculty, and see more about the weekly excursions at www.csupueblo.edu/CTL

Colorado State University - Pueblo is committed to excellence, setting the standard for regional comprehensive universities in teaching, research, and service by providing leadership and access for its region, while maintaining its commitment to diversity.