public university in suburban Golden, Colo. The Colorado School of Mines focuses on engineering training, especially in fields related to mineral resources. It was founded in 1874 and was formerly called Jarvis College. The more than 200 acres (80 hectares) of campus are situated in a Rocky Mountain mineral-producing area. The city is the site of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the National Earthquake Center. Golden is also the home of Coors Brewery, which has a 3,000-foot (900-meter) pipeline running from its plant to the campus to convert excess steam into heat for the school. Nearby Denver offers many cultural and social experiences for students. Enrollment is slightly more than 3,000 students, with about a third being master's or doctoral candidates. The school's admissions standards are among the highest in the state. Males make up about three fourths of the student body. Roughly 70 percent of students are Colorado residents, and a large number commute. About 10 percent of students are from foreign countries, mainly Latin America and the Middle East. The academic calendar is divided into semesters. Undergraduates in all fields take the same first-year program, which includes courses in calculus, science, economics, and physical education. In addition, students master technical skills and receive instruction in basic oral and written communication. Almost all the full-time faculty hold doctorates. Undergraduates are required to complete a six-week summer field session to gain hands-on experience. The vast majority of students enter careers in business and industry upon graduation. The school has a large number of varsity sports teams, which compete in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Less serious competition can be found during Engineering Days, an annual three-day social event featuring such contests as tricycle races and taco-eating contests. Another traditional event is the “M climb” where new students hike to the top of Mount Zion to whitewash the school emblem. Seniors do the same at the end of the year. School colors are silver and blue. |