ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ

First-Year Launch is a signature part of your first-year experience

Your FYL course will help you connect to your new home at ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ and successfully navigate your first year of college. There are many topics to choose from because our faculty and staff have designed these half-semester, one-credit courses around topics they're interested in and passionate about. They can't wait to share their knowledge and excitement with you!

Meet with your advisor for help choosing your FYL course

Before you meet with your advisor:

  • Check out all of our Launch courses by browsing this site.
  • Make a list for your advising appointment of your top 3–5 courses that inspire you to think differently about the world and yourself.
  • If you belong to one of the special populations in the "Major and Program" or "Student Population" tab, we highly encourage you to select from one of the courses that apply to you.

There are no prerequisites for Launch courses. And remember, your Skyhawk Station Advisor can help you choose the right course if you're unsure!

Field trips to Purgatory Resort

 
First-Year Launch

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Here We Are Now

Day/Time: M/W 10:10-11:05

Our planet's biodiversity has inspired human thought in every discipline, study, and art since prehistory. In this course, we’ll explore the overwhelming variety of ways in which different animals thrive, inviting students to explore their unique passions and skills.


Indigenizing College

Day/Time: M/W 11:15-12:10

This course supports Indigenous first-year students in navigating college while strengthening cultural identity and community. Through storytelling, mentorship, and reflective projects, students will explore their purpose for attending college, develop academic skills, and connect their strengths to success. Together, we build a foundation for thriving as Indigenous scholars.


Indigenizing College

Day/Time: T/R 2:30-3:25

This course supports Indigenous first-year students in navigating college while strengthening cultural identity and community. Through storytelling, mentorship, and reflective projects, students will explore their purpose for attending college, develop academic skills, and connect their strengths to success. Together, we build a foundation for thriving as Indigenous scholars.


Indigenizing College

Day/Time: T/R 8:30-9:25

This course supports Indigenous first-year students in navigating college while strengthening cultural identity and community. Through storytelling, mentorship, and reflective projects, students will explore their purpose for attending college, develop academic skills, and connect their strengths to success. Together, we build a foundation for thriving as Indigenous scholars.


Intro to Honors

Day/Time: T/R 11:15-12:10

This course introduces students to the Reed Honors Program, the Fort Lewis College campus, and the Durango community. Using student-driven inquiry as the basis for learning, it addresses the concepts of community and community engagement, introduces students to strategies for exploring their communities, and leads them to identify areas of further inquiry. This course gives credit for ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ 100, a college-wide first-year requirement.


Intro to Honors

Day/Time: W 1:25-3:25

This course introduces students to the Reed Honors Program, the Fort Lewis College campus, and the Durango community. Using student-driven inquiry as the basis for learning, it addresses the concepts of community and community engagement, introduces students to strategies for exploring their communities, and leads them to identify areas of further inquiry. This course gives credit for ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ 100, a college-wide first-year requirement.


Intro to Mountain Biking

Day/Time: W 1:25-3:25

There’s no better place to learn how to mountain bike than Durango, with world-class terrain right in ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ’s backyard. In this introductory course, you’ll develop the fundamental skills needed to tackle trails with confidence, while also building resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability skills that will help you navigate college and beyond.


Lead with Purpose

Day/Time: T/R 9:35-10:30

College isn’t just about picking a major—it’s about figuring out who you are, how you connect with others, and the kind of leader you want to be. In this course, you’ll explore your identity, values, and strengths using tools like the Enneagram and StrengthsFinder, while building community and practicing leadership skills. You’ll leave with more self-awareness, a support network, and tools to help you thrive in college and beyond.


Local Environmentalism

Day/Time: W 3:35-5:35

Get your hands dirty and help out the environment. Volunteer at different local organizations that focus on environmental sustainability. Work on local organic local farms and learn how we can help support local sustainability. Practice Leave No Trace hiking and do an Animas River litter clean up.


Mornings in the Garden

Day/Time: T/R 8:30-9:25

Spend your mornings in the gardens around campus. Enjoy fresh air in a natural environment as we explore the Environmental Center’s growing spaces. You'll deepen your connection to the natural world through nature journaling, meditation, stretching, and hands-on garden care while learning tools and habits to help you thrive in your first year of college.


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Contact us

Admission Office

Fort Lewis College
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301

Phone: 877-352-2656 or 970-247-7184
Fax: 970-247-7179
Email: admission@fortlewis.edu

Talk with admission counselor

Connect with your admission counselor over the phone, in email, or take a campus tour and meet them in person.