Apply to live in the Align Scientific Learning Community and join an inclusive group of scientists committed to improving the health of animals, people, and the planet. Align is open to first-year students majoring in biomedical sciences or neuroscience who want, need, or would benefit from additional support transitioning to college.
Living
Align students live on one floor of Alpine Hall (part of Laurel Village), a community-style residence hall on the north side of main campus near the Student Recreation Center and Moby Arena. Laurel Village is home to other science-focused learning communities, so residents will live and learn alongside other students who share a major and similar class schedule, as well as fellow scientists in other programs.
Features of Alpine Hall:
- Double and single rooms available
- Air conditioning
- Close to two dining centers (Durrell Center and The Foundry)
- All-gender, single-stall bathroom with shower available on floor
- Kitchen and lounge with TV on floor
Learning
Align students participate in fall and spring semester seminars geared toward exploring identity, values, and leadership within and outside the classroom.
Fall Semester Seminar: Scientist Start-Up (VMBS 192)
Explore your identity as a scientist and create an individual development plan to help you excel at CSU and in the sciences.
Spring Semester Seminar: Diversity, Equity, Justice, and Inclusion Issues in Healthcare (VMBS 165)
Explore justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion issues professionals working in the healthcare industry face and reflect on how you can help improve them.
“ After my time in the Align class, I definitely consider myself to be a good scientist primarily because of my passion for learning, my personal growth, and my love for veterinary medicine. ”
- Leif
2023-24 Align Cohort, Biomedical Sciences Major
Community
Besides living and learning alongside like-minded peers, participate in meet and greets, professional development opportunities, and social events throughout your first year at CSU. The schedule of events – hosted conveniently at and near Alpine Hall – provides ample opportunities for you to build community, destress, get free food (!), access resources and support, explore Fort Collins, and gain hands-on, individualized support in preparation for scholarship applications.
Other community-building benefits:
- Increased access to faculty: Each semester will include regular faculty guests at panels, lectures, and small group discussions. Faculty are also invited to some of the social events to create an even larger Align community!
- Resident assistant (RA): Living on the same floor of Alpine Hall as Align students, our RA is also enrolled in the biomedical sciences or neuroscience program, offering academic insight and regular programming to engage students.
- Peer mentor: Our peer mentor conducts one-on-one or small group check-ins each semester to talk through students’ experiences and identify opportunities for support, as well as offers regular programming, events, and service learning throughout the year.
Application Information
Students must be majoring in biomedical sciences or neuroscience to live in the Align Scientific Learning Community.
To apply, complete the CSU Learning Communities application via the Learning Communities portal. The application includes one short essay question, which is optional.
Essay tips:
- Answer the question fully and completely. Make sure you are direct in answering the question.
- Be specific!
- Tell us who YOU are and what you will get from and give to the community.
If you are hesitant about the application process and/or essay, or would like another person to review your essay before submitting it, email Karli Pep Hansen at karli.hansen@colostate.edu.
Contact us
Align Scientific Learning Community Coordinator
Office: (970) 491-4694