Student Life at Mines

Facilities 

Student Center

The Ben H. Parker Student Center contains the offices for the Vice President of Student Life, Dean of Students, Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL), Student Government (USG), Financial Aid, Bursar and Cashier, New Student and Transition Services (NeST), Career Center,  Registrar, Campus Events, Blaster Card Office and student organizations.  The Student Center also contains the Periodic Table food court, bookstore, student lounges, meeting rooms, and banquet facilities.

Student Recreation Center

Completed in May 2007, the 108,000 square-foot Student Recreation Center, located at the corner of 16th and Maple Streets in the heart of campus, provides a wide array of facilities and programs designed to meet student's recreational and leisure needs while providing for a healthy lifestyle. The Center contains a state-of-the-art climbing wall, an eight-lane, 25-meter swimming and diving pool, a cardiovascular and weight room, two multi-purpose rooms designed and equipped for aerobics, dance, martial arts programs and other similar activities, a competition gymnasium containing three full-size basketball courts as well as seating for 2500 people, a separate recreation gymnasium designed specifically for a wide variety of recreational programs, extensive locker room and shower facilities, and a large lounge intended for relaxing, playing games or watching television. In addition to housing the Outdoor Recreation Program as well as the Intramural and Club Sports Programs, the Center serves as the competition venue for the Intercollegiate Men and Women's Basketball Programs, the Intercollegiate Volleyball Program and the Men and Women's Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Program.

W. Lloyd Wright Student Wellness Center

The W. Lloyd Wright Student Wellness Center, 1770 Elm Street, houses several health and wellness programs for Mines students: the Coulter Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Dental Clinic, the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and Student Wellness Promotion & Education. The Wellness Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the fall and spring semesters. Check the website for summer and holiday hours. The Wellness Center follows weather delays and closure schedules set for the campus.  

Coulter Student Health Center: The Coulter Student Health Center (phone 303-273-3381, fax 303-273-3623) is located on the first floor of the W. Lloyd Wright Student Wellness Center. Services are provided to all students who have paid the student health services fee.* Nurse practitioners and registered nurses provide services by appointment Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. A physician has office hours on campus during the fall and spring semesters. The Health Center offers primary care health services. For X-rays, specialists or hospital care, students are referred to appropriate providers in the community. More information is available at https://www.mines.edu/student-health/.

Immunization Requirement: All incoming students are required to submit documented proof of specific vaccinations or laboratory evidence of immunity. These requirements are submitted through the Health Portal which can be found at my.mines.edu. Detailed information on Health Center requirements is available at https://www.mines.edu/student-health/student-health-center/forms/.

  • Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine: Colorado law requires every student to submit proof of two (2) valid vaccinations for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) given no earlier than four days before the student’s first birthday. There must be at least twenty-eight (28) calendar days between the two vaccinations.
  • Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine: Colorado law requires all students living on campus in student housing to either submit proof of a Meningitis ACWY vaccine given within the last five years, or to sign the Meningococcal waiver form. If the five-year period will expire while the student is living on campus, we recommend receiving another Meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Students will have a hold placed on their account five years after the date of the most recent Meningitis ACWY vaccine if they are still living on campus. Currently, Meningitis ACWY is required, Meningitis B is recommended.
  • Tuberculosis: Completion of the Tuberculosis (TB) Screening questionnaire is required. This form is located in the Health Portal under the Forms tab. In some cases, TB testing may also be indicated.

Counseling Center: Located on the second floor of the W. Lloyd Wright Student Wellness Center (phone 303-273-3377). The Mines Counseling Center is staffed by licensed and experienced mental health professionals, skilled in handling a variety of presenting concerns. Services are designed to assist students in resolving issues that interfere with their ability to successfully navigate the Mines journey. Services are confidential, voluntary, and covered by the student health services fee.* The Counseling Center utilizes a Stepped Care model, which allows students to create a wellness plan that connects them to services that best meet their unique needs. Available service options include initial counselor consultations, skills-based workshops, brief therapy interventions, support groups, drop-in office hours, and care coordination to connect students with community providers for more intensive treatment. Visit our website to learn more about updated virtual and in-person service offerings and resources: https://www.mines.edu/counseling-center/.

Dental Clinic: The Dental Clinic is located on the second floor of the W. Lloyd Wright Wellness Center (phone 303-273-3377). Services include comprehensive exams, cleanings, fillings, x-rays, as well as emergency services. Students who have paid the student health services fee* are eligible for these services. Dental care is on a fee-for-service basis at a fraction of the cost of other dental offices. For the fee schedule, please refer to our Dental Clinic website. The Dental Clinic accepts cash or checks, as well as credit/debit cards. Clinic hours are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the academic year with limited hours during the summer. Services are by appointment only and can be made via https://www.mines.edu/student-health/student-health-center/dental-clinic/ using the Request Appointment tool or by calling the Dental Clinic at 303-273-3377.  

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP): Having adequate health insurance is a condition of enrollment at Colorado School of Mines. All students are charged for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and those students with approved waivers will see the waiver credit. The SHIP office is located on the second floor of the W. Lloyd Wright Student Wellness Center. Enrollment confirmation or waiver of the Mines Student Health Insurance Plan is done online. The deadline to submit a waiver is Census Day. More information can be found at https://www.mines.edu/student-health/student-insurance/ or by calling the office at 303-273-3388.

Student Health Insurance Plan--Adequate Health Insurance Requirement: All degree seeking U.S. citizen and permanent resident students, and all international students regardless of degree status, are required to have health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and may waive coverage if they have coverage under a personal or employer plan that meets minimum requirements. International students must purchase the SHIP, unless they meet specific requirements. Information about the Mines Student Health Insurance Plan, as well as the criteria for waiving, is available online at https://www.mines.edu/student-health/student-insurance/ or by calling 303.273.3388. 

*Fees: Students are charged a mandatory health services fee each semester which allows them access to services at the Health Center and Dental Clinic. 

Services

Academic Advising

Center for Academic Services and Advising (CASA)

Academic Advising: All students are advised by Academic Advising Coordinators in CASA throughout their undergraduate studies at Mines. First-year and new transfer students are assigned to a CASA first-year advisor based on their last name as they complete core course requirements and explore majors at Mines. Students can begin their Mines coursework undecided or with an intended major, and students are encouraged to explore all of the majors Mines has to offer before deciding which one or more to pursue. Once a student confirms their major, either at the end of their first year or the beginning of their second year, they will transition from their first-year advisor to their CASA major advisor and a faculty mentor within their academic department. Academic advising occurs through individual, scheduled, walk-in, and group advising sessions via remote or in person sessions, as needed.  Students are encouraged to work not only with their academic advisor but also peer advisors, student leaders who provide peer advising to students about registration, course enrollment, majors, minors, and more.

Academic Support Services: CASA offers a wide variety of support services designed to assist students throughout their undergraduate degree. Examples include pre-finals workshops, major exploration events, and the specific support services listed below.

Tutoring: Tutoring services are offered for all core curriculum courses and many major courses by peers. Tutoring is offered Sunday through Thursday in CASA (Aspen Hall) the Library, and via Zoom.

Core Review Sessions: Core Review Sessions are group review sessions held by a peer facilitator before common core course exams. Peer facilitators also host regular office hours for more individualized assistance.

Academic Coaching: Students can work with CASA advisors to develop the skills and technique of studying well in college, such as test-prep and cognitive learning development, in a one-on-one setting.

Faculty in CASA: Faculty from various departments host their regular office hours in CASA. Students are encouraged to utilize these professors for assistance with material and/or questions on course planning.

Visit casa.mines.edu for more information.

Support Services

Career Center

The Mines Career Center assists students in developing, evaluating, and/or implementing career, education, and employment decisions and plans. Career and professional development is integral to the success of Mines graduates and to the mission of Mines.

Students and recent graduates who develop, utilize and apply the services offered by the Mines Career Center will be educated, coached and empowered to conduct a strategic, personalized career exploration and ethical job search that highlights the passions, skills and strengths of each individual. In addition, students are offered opportunities to engage with companies and organizations in a variety of forums to enhance their professional knowledge and diversity of career prospects.

Services are provided to all students and recent graduates, up to 24 months after graduation. Students must adhere to the ethical and professional business and job searching practices as stated in the Career Center Student Policy, which can be found on the student's homepage of DiggerNet. In order to accomplish our mission, we provide a comprehensive array of career services:

Career Advising and Professional Development

  • “Tools for Engineering Your Career: The Mines Strategy" a practical career manual with interview strategies, resume and cover letter examples, career exploration ideas, and job search tips.
  • Online resources for exploring careers and employers at https://www.mines.edu/careers/.
  • Individual job search advice, resume and cover letter critiques.
  • Practice interviews.
  • Salary and contract negotiation and networking skills.
  • Career and Professional Development Workshops - including, career readiness competencies, successful company research, interviewing, resumes, professional branding, and networking skills.

Job Resources and Events

  • Career Days (fall and spring).
  • Online job search system: DiggerNet.
  • Online and in-person job search assistance for internships, co-ops, and full-time entry-level job postings.
  • Virtual Career Fairs and special recruiting events.
  • On-campus interviewing – industry and government representatives visit the campus to interview students.
  • General employment and on-campus jobs board.

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services (DSS) works collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to minimize barriers and support an accessible campus community. When barriers to access occur, Disability Support Services works one-on-one with students to determine accommodations and facilitate access to programs and services. For more information or to request disability accommodations, please visit https://disabilities.mines.edu/.  DSS is located at 1225 17th Street.  

The Mines Testing Center (MTC) serves to support and proctor exams for students with approved testing accommodations. The MTC is located in the Green Center, Room 240.  For more information, please visit: https://www.mines.edu/disability-support-services/mtc/.

PASCAL

The Professional and Scholar Communities Applied Learning (PASCAL) Center works to develop, advance and steward scholarship communities and professional development at Mines. PASCAL directly manages scholarship communities, promotes and programs professional development opportunities with campus partners, and meaningfully engages with alumni and donors. Our center’s efforts advance Mines@150 aspirations to actively support community, scholarship, professional development, engagement and applied learning for all students at Mines. Learn more about https://www.mines.edu/pascal/.

MEP

The Colorado School of Mines Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) was established in 1989. Over the years, MEP has played a significant role in promoting the ongoing commitment Mines has to create a more diverse and inclusive learning community. We work to enroll, retain, and graduate underrepresented students, and continue to build a community of support through our many partnerships and advocacies. MEP offers the following opportunities and programs:

  • Academic Support – MEP/ CASA Tutors
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities
  • Leadership Opportunities within Professional Societies
  • Professional Development events
  • Scholarship search assistance
  • Support for First Generation students
  • Networking with industry and community representatives for internship and employment opportunities
  • Graduate School pathway partnerships
  • Annual MEP Banquet honoring graduating undergraduate and graduate students

More information at: https://mep.mines.edu/.

Identification Cards (Blaster Card Office)

All new students must have a Blaster Card made as soon as possible after they enroll. The Blaster Card office also issues RTD College Passes, which allow students to ride RTD buses and light rail free of charge. More information can be found at https://www.mines.edu/student-life/blastercard/.

The Blaster Card can be used for student meal plans, to check material out of the Arthur Lakes Library, to access certain electronic doors, and may be required to attend various campus activities. 

Motor Vehicles Parking

All motor vehicles on campus must be registered with the campus Parking Services Division of Facilities Management, 1318 Maple Street, and must display a CSM parking permit. Vehicles must be registered at the beginning of each semester or upon bringing your vehicle on campus, and updated whenever you change your address.

Public Safety

The Colorado School of Mines Department of Public Safety is a full service, community oriented law enforcement agency, providing 24/7 service to the campus. It is the mission of the Colorado School of Mines Police Department to make the Mines campus the safest campus in Colorado.

The department is responsible for providing services such as:

  • Proactive patrol of the campus and its facilities
  • Investigation and reporting of crimes and incidents
  • Motor vehicle traffic and parking enforcement
  • Crime and security awareness programs
  • Alcohol/Drug abuse awareness/education
  • Self defense classes
  • Consultation with campus departments for safety and security matters
  • Additional services to the campus community such as: vehicle unlocks and jumpstarts, community safe walks (escorts), authorized after-hours building and office access, and assistance in any medical, fire, or other emergency situation.

The police officers employed by the Department of Public Safety are fully trained police officers in accordance with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board and the Colorado Revised Statute.

More information on the Mines Police Department is available at: https://www.mines.edu/campus-safety/

Student Publications

Two student publications are published at CSM by the Associated Students of CSM. Opportunities abound for students wishing to participate on the staffs. A Board of Student Media acts in an advisory capacity to the publications staffs and makes recommendations on matters of policy.

The Oredigger is the student newspaper, published weekly during the school year. It contains news, features, sports, letters and editorials of interest to students, faculty, and the Golden community.

The literary magazine, High Grade, is published each semester. Contributions of poetry, short stories, drawings, and photographs are encouraged from students, faculty and staff.

Veterans Services

The Registrar’s Office provides academic certification services for veteran students attending the School and using educational benefits from the Veterans Administration.  Additional non-academic services are provided through the Dean of Students Office.

Activities

Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL)

Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL) coordinates the various activities and student organizations on the Mines campus. Student government, professional societies, living groups, honor societies, interest groups and special events add a balance to the academic side of the CSM community. Participants take part in management training, event planning, and leadership development. To obtain an up-to-date listing of the recognized campus organizations or more information about any of these organizations, contact the SAIL office.

Student Government

The Associated Students of Colorado School of Mines (ASCSM) is sanctioned by the Board of Trustees of the School. The purpose of ASCSM is, in part, to advance the interest and promote the welfare of CSM and all of the students and to foster and maintain harmony among those connected with or interested in the School, including students, alumni, faculty, trustees and friends.  Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and Graduate Student Government (GSG) are the governing bodies recognized by Mines through ASCSM as the representative voice of their respective student bodies. The goal of these groups is to improve the quality of education and offer social programming and academic support.

Through funds collected as student fees, ASCSM strives to ensure a full social and academic life for all students with its organizations, publications, and special events. As the representative governing body of the students ASCSM provides leadership and a strong voice for the student body, enforces policies enacted by the student body, works to integrate the various campus organizations, and promotes the ideals and traditions of the school.

The Mines Activity Council (MAC) serves as the campus special events board. The majority of all-student campus events are planned by MAC. Events planned by MAC include comedy shows to the campus on most Fridays throughout the academic year, events such as concerts, hypnotists, and one time specialty entertainment; discount tickets to local sporting events, theater performances, and concerts, movie nights bringing blockbuster movies to the Mines campus; and E-Days and Homecoming.

Special Events

Engineering Days festivities are held each spring. The three day affair is organized entirely by students. Contests are held in drilling, hand-spiking, mucking, and oilfield olympics to name a few. Additional events include a huge fireworks display, the Ore-Cart Pull to the Colorado State Capitol, the awarding of scholarships to outstanding Colorado high school seniors and a concert.

Homecoming weekend is one of the high points of the year.  Events include a football rally and game, campus decorations, election of Homecoming queen and beast, parade, burro race, and other contests.

International Day is planned and conducted by the International Student Council and the International Student and Scholar Services Office. It includes exhibits and programs designed to further the cause of understanding among the countries of the world. The international dinner and entertainment have come to be one of the campus social events of the year.

Outdoor Recreation Program

The Outdoor Recreation Program is housed at the Student Recreation Center. The Program teaches classes in outdoor activities; rents mountain bikes, climbing gear, backpacking and other equipment; and sponsors day and weekend activities such as camping, snowshoeing, rock climbing, and mountaineering.

Residence Hall Association (RHA)

Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a student-run organization developed to coordinate and plan activities for students living in the Residence Halls. Its membership is represented by students from each residence hall floor. Officers are elected each fall for that academic year. For more information, go to RHA.

Student Organizations

For a complete list of all currently registered student organizations, please visit the Student Activities office or website at https://studentactivities.mines.edu/.

Social Fraternities and Sororities  – There are seven national fraternities and four national sororities active on the CSM campus. Fraternities and Sororities offer the unique opportunity of leadership, service to one’s community, and fellowship. Greeks are proud of the number of campus leaders, athletes and scholars that come from their ranks. Colorado School of Mines chapters are:

  • Alpha Phi
  • Alpha Tau Omega
  • Beta Theta Pi
  • Kappa Alpha Theta
  • Kappa Sigma
  • Phi Gamma Delta
  • Pi Beta Phi
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon
  • Sigma Kappa
  • Sigma Nu
  • Sigma Phi Epsilon

Honor Societies – Honor societies recognize the outstanding achievements of their members in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and service. Each of the CSM honor societies recognizes different achievements in our students.

Special Interest Organizations – Special interest organizations meet the special and unique needs of the CSM student body by providing co-curricular activities in specific areas.

International Student Organizations – The International Student Organizations provide the opportunity to experience a little piece of a different culture while here at Mines, in addition to assisting the students from that culture adjust to the Mines campus.

Professional Societies – Professional Societies are generally student chapters of the national professional societies. As a student chapter, the professional societies offer a chance for additional professional development outside the classroom through guest speakers, trips, and interactive discussions about the current activities in the profession. Additionally, many of the organizations offer internship, fellowship and scholarship opportunities.

Recreational Organizations – The recreation organizations provide the opportunity for students with similar interests to participate as a group in these recreational activities. Most of the recreational organizations compete on both the local and regional levels at tournaments throughout the year.

Primary Contact

303-273-3231