CSU Spur Start Student Resources

CSU Spur Start students have access to a robust offering of activities, involvement opportunities, and resources to support their educational journey.

Adult Learners & Veteran Services

Adult Learner and Veteran Services (ALVS) supports veterans and adult learners (also known as non-traditional students). For CSU Spur Start students who are using veteran education benefits, ALVS can connect students with the Veterans Education Benefits Office (VEBO) and other veteran-related resources. If students would like one-on-one support adjusting to college life, they can meet with an ALVS peer advisor for help with study strategies, self-advocacy, and communicating with professors and advisors. Once CSU Spur Start students transition to the CSU Fort Collins campus in their second year, they are encouraged to visit the ALVS office to study, connect with other students, and build community.

Campus Activities & RamEvents

RamEvents offers a variety of fun and engaging activities for CSU Spur Start students. Events may include experiences like aura photography, caricature artists, and other creative events on the Spur campus. RamEvents also hosts outings in the Denver area with students from CSU Fort Collins and CSU Spur, such as trips to events like Denver Nuggets games, Meow Wolf, and the Denver Zoo.

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation at CSU Fort Collins offers a variety of programs and resources to help CSU Spur Start students stay active, healthy, and connected across the Front Range. From on-demand fitness classes and workout plans to virtual Sport Club and Intramural competitions, there are flexible ways to support your physical and mental well-being. Future outdoor trips and group fitness opportunities are also in the works for the Spur campus and surrounding area. Check the CSU Spur Start Campus Recreation website regularly for new programs, resources, and opportunities to get active.

Career Center

The Career Center offers a variety of virtual and in-person resources to support CSU Spur Start students as they explore career options and prepare for the workforce.

  • 24/7 Career Resources: Students have access to the Career Center’s Handshake platform, where you can find job listings, career profiles, resources, and schedule appointments. Handshake also features virtual employer events, including opportunities with Denver-based employers. You can also access the Career Center’s online resource library anytime to find answers to career-related questions.
  • Peer Career Coach Drop-Ins: CSU Spur Start students can join virtual drop-in sessions with Peer Career Coaches for help with resumes, job searches, interview preparation, and more.
  • Career Coaching Appointments: Students can schedule 45-minute virtual appointments with a Career Educator for major-specific and industry-specific career guidance.
  • Additional Events and Programs: The Career Center hosts hybrid and virtual programs throughout the year, including the Summer 2025 Virtual Career Fair. CSU Spur Start students are also welcome to attend all in-person events, including career fairs, industry events, and campus programs.

CSU Health Network

The CSU Health Network (CSUHN) provides a variety of virtual resources and services to support CSU Spur Start students’ health and well-being. Students will receive orientation materials with information about virtual offerings such as hybrid workshops, the CSUHN Instagram page, podcasts, the You@CSU platform, and more.

Throughout the year, CSU Spur Start students can engage with CSUHN through well-being programming. Examples of CSUHN programming include:

  • Sleep: Sleep assessments and strategies for healthy sleep.
  • Physical: On-site flu clinics.
  • Academic: Academic planning and advocacy support.
  • Stress: Stress management resources.
  • Financial: Health insurance information and health insurance literacy.
  • Social: Building your college social network with tools like You@CSU and Nod.

CSU Libraries

CSU Libraries is your one-stop shop for research support! Some of the many resources we offer to help Spur Start students succeed include:

Have questions or need help? Contact the Libraries through our AskUs page!

CSU Writing Center

The CSU Writing Center provides virtual consultations for students of all levels seeking help with assignments for their classes, as well as professional and creative writing. We can help at all stages of the writing process, from brainstorming, researching, organizing, and revising.

We offer two types of online consultations:

  1. Online draft review – upload your paper and assignment sheet or prompt, and the consultant will make marginal comments with suggestions that prioritize potential revisions.
  2. Video conference – meet one-on-one with a consultant over video and chat to talk about your questions, concerns, and get another perspective on your writing.

Access the CSU Writing Center appointment system: WCOnline.

Off-Campus Life

Off-Campus Life (OCL) offers a range of resources to support CSU Spur Start students with housing, transportation, and basic needs.

  • Remote Support: Students can meet virtually with OCL staff for help navigating conflicts with property managers or roommates, or for assistance exploring basic needs resources in the Denver Metro area.
  • Commute Planning: If you plan to stay near the Spur campus for your second year, OCL staff can help you plan your commute to the CSU Fort Collins campus.
  • Moving to Fort Collins: For students planning to move to the Fort Collins area after their first year at Spur, OCL offers housing resources such as RentalSearch, the Property Management List, the Apartment Complex List, and information about affordable housing and basic needs support. OCL also publishes the annual Off-Campus Living Handbook to help students prepare for their move.
  • Roommate Connections: OCL hosts Roommate Meet & Match events virtually to help students find roommates before moving.
  • Home Buyer’s Class: If you or your family are interested in purchasing a home, OCL offers a Home Buyer’s Class, with a virtual summer session available.
  • Lyft Ride Discounts: During major holidays, OCL shares Lyft discount codes that students can use for $15 off rides in Colorado (and sometimes nationally). Students can follow RamRide on Instagram to access these codes.

RamCard

Your RamCard is your university ID card and your ticket to just about everything at Colorado State University. Visit the RamCard website to learn more about how to request your RamCard. You can begin by uploading your photo at the RamPix website. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions about getting your RamCard.

RamCash

RamCash is a pre-paid account linked to your RamCard for food, beverages, and services on campus. There are no set-up, transaction, or minimum balance charges required for your RamCash account. Spur Start students will automatically get a $200 RamCash allowance each semester to use for food and beverage purchases. You can deposit more RamCash as needed online at the MyRamCard website. If you do not spend your entire RamCash allowance, it will remain available as you continue your studies next year and while you are an active CSU student. You can learn all about RamCash here.

SAFE Center

The SAFE Center offers 24/7 confidential advocacy services to CSU Spur Start students who have experienced power-based violence, including sexual assault, harassment, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

SAFE Center services are available both in-person in Fort Collins and virtually, including by phone, chat, and text, ensuring that all students have access to support. SAFE also provides presentations in classes and other events on the Spur campus.

Student Case Management

The Student Case Management & Referral Coordination Office provides crisis prevention and intervention services. In difficult or crisis situations, students may find it challenging to navigate the academic consequences, university processes, and campus and community resources available. Student Case Management consults with students, faculty, staff, families, and providers to offer guidance on the next best steps. Additionally, Student Case Management can assist students in accessing public benefits programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and Medicaid. They help find the best approach to support students in their immediate situation and provide referrals for ongoing support.

Student Disability Center

The Student Disability Center (SDC) offers support for CSU Spur Start students regarding academic accommodations. Students can meet virtually, by phone, or in person at TILT 121 on the CSU Fort Collins campus to discuss any accommodations they may need.

  • Accommodation Specialist Meetings: Students will meet with an accommodation specialist to determine necessary accommodations and can continue working with the same specialist throughout their academic journey. CSU Spur Start students can visit their accommodation specialist at any time to discuss adjustments to accommodations or address any questions or concerns related to accommodations and their implementation.
  • Continuity of Support: Accommodations granted at CSU Spur will follow students when they transition to the CSU Fort Collins campus.

Student Leadership, Involvement & Community Engagement (SLiCE) & Associated Students of CSU (ASCSU)

SLiCE offers a range of involvement opportunities for CSU Spur Start students, providing experiences similar to those on the CSU Fort Collins campus.

  • Involvement Expo: CSU Spur Start students are invited to participate in the Involvement Expo at CSU Fort Collins, where you can connect with student organizations and explore other involvement opportunities.
  • Involvement Advising: Students are encouraged to schedule virtual or in-person advising appointments with SLiCE involvement advisors, who can assist you in joining existing student organizations or starting your own registered student group.
  • Alternative Spring Break: CSU Spur Start students are invited to participate in CSU’s Alternative Spring Break trips, offering opportunities for service and community engagement.
  • Service Opportunities in Denver: SLiCE works closely with the Denver community to develop meaningful service opportunities for CSU students.
  • Leadership Workshops: Students can attend leadership workshops that introduce the Presidents’ Leadership Program, leadership conferences, and other involvement possibilities.
  • ASCSU Engagement: CSU Spur Start students can engage with ASCSU by participating in elections and joining the Senate as a Spur Start student representative (with virtual participation options).

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services provides legal guidance and support to help students navigate a variety of legal issues with confidence. Student Legal Services offers counseling in a wide range of legal areas, including:

  • Landlord/Tenant Issues: Lease reviews, disputes with landlords, and security deposit returns.
  • Law Enforcement: Assistance with interactions involving law enforcement.
  • Injury and Property Damage: Guidance on handling personal injury and property damage matters.
  • Collection Matters: Support in addressing debt collection issues.
  • Immigration: Legal help with immigration-related questions.
  • Protection Orders: Support in obtaining and understanding protection orders.
  • Starting a Business: Advice on legal matters related to starting a business.

Student Legal Services offers both in-person and virtual appointments. To schedule an appointment or request a call back, visit the Student Legal Services website or call 970-491-1482. When scheduling a virtual appointment, please indicate you are a CSU Spur Start student.

Student Resolution Center

Conflict Resolution Services (CRS) within the Student Resolution Center offers conflict coaching and mediation to help students navigate challenges throughout their academic journey. CRS provides customized workshops that focus on conflict resolution skills and strategies, tailored specifically for CSU Spur Start students. These workshops will help students develop tools for addressing conflicts both at CSU Spur and beyond.

CRS also supports students transitioning to the CSU Fort Collins campus, including guidance on preparing for roommate situations and additional conflict resolution strategies.

The Hub for Student Services

The Hub for Student Services offers integrated student support for financial aid, registration, billing, and inquiries related to housing applications and dining in one convenient location. Our full-time professional staff are cross-trained in all relevant content areas, and we strive to deliver comprehensive assistance to Rams at every stage of their academic journey, ensuring our efforts reflect a dedication to fairness, access, and success.

The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT)

The Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) is here to help you take charge of your learning and discover strategies to boost your academic success. You can access learning resources designed to support you throughout your academic journey online 24/7. Explore TILT’s tips on time management, exam preparation, study habits, overcoming procrastination, and more!

If you’d rather work one-on-one with a peer guide, TILT’s Peer Academic Coaching program offers free, personalized support for students facing academic challenges. Our trained coaches help students develop essential skills in study strategies, time management, organization, and navigating university resources. Coaching is available virtually and goes beyond tutoring to help build habits for long-term success. Se habla español!

University Center for the Arts – School of Music, Theatre, & Dance

CSU Spur Start students enjoy the same benefits as all CSU students, including access to over 200 live events at the University Center for the Arts (UCA), many of which are available via live stream through the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.