First-Year Launch
Admitted Students

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 FLC 100, a college-wide first-year requirement.

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 FLC 100, a college-wide first-year requirement.

There’s no better place to learn how to mountain bike than Durango, with world-class terrain right in FLC’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.

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.

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.

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.