Western Colorado University Calendar

Apr 20, 2026: Good News Power Point Night

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:30:00 -0600

A night for students to come share good news or things that they're passionate about and make them happy! There will be free fries and sodas from Madjacks and prizes for the best power points

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Apr 21, 2026: Celebration of Academic Inquiry at UC

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0600

Spring 2026 Cof AI - poster session

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Apr 21, 2026: Mountain Sports Banquet at University Center

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Join us in celebrating another great year of Mountain Sports. All Mountain Sports athletes and coaches are encouraged to join. Dinner and refreshments will be provided.

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Apr 21, 2026: Orchestra Concert at Kincaid Concert Hall

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Join us in cozy Kincaid Concert Hall for the fall Orchestra concert directed by Ms. Laura Payne. It's sure to be a fun night so don't miss out!

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Apr 22, 2026: CofAI - Creative Showcase

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:00 -0600

creative writing and reading

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Apr 23, 2026: Celebration of Academic Inquiry at Taylor Hall

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:30:00 -0600

interactive theater experience

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Apr 23, 2026: Celebration of Academic Inquiry at Quigley Hall

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:30:00 -0600

Arts Showcase

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Apr 23, 2026: Engineering Expo at Rady Building

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0600

Engineering Expo brings together students, business owners, engineers, alumni, faculty, and community members for an evening of innovation, connection, and celebration. This year, capstone teams will showcase the projects they have been developing throughout the academic year. Their work reflects months of design, testing, collaboration, and problem-solving, and we are excited to share it with you.

New this year: projects will be formally judged, and attendees will have the opportunity to vote for a People’s Choice Award.

We’d like to thank our community sponsors and partners: Crested Butte Museum, PROVUU, Gunnison Valley Observatory Western Mountain Rescue SAE Baja Vele Wind Tunnel & more!

Event Schedule

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Check-in, networking, and light hors d’oeuvres
Student band (tentative)
Rady Lobby

6:00 p.m. to 6:10 p.m.
Welcome remarks and T-shirt design winner announcement
Rady Lobby

6:10 p.m. to 7:10 p.m.
Capstone and course project tours
Garden Level

7:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Awards presentation
Garden Level Stage

Throughout the evening, guests can engage directly with student teams, connect with faculty and alumni, explore our programs, and tour our facility. As we continue strengthening relationships with industry and community partners, we invite you to learn how you can get involved.

This event is open to the public. We welcome members of the Western campus, CU Boulder community, local industry, and the Gunnison Valley who are interested in engineering, innovation, and education.

For more information, please contact Professional Assistant Michaela Keefe at michaela.keefe@colorado.edu.

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Apr 23, 2026: Under the Stars Movie Night at Mountaineer Field House

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0600

Outdoor movie night in front of MFH in the grassy field. With a few extension chords, we will power a projector being targeted at a screen and a microwave popcorn stand. BYOB (Bring your own blanket).

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Apr 24, 2026: Track & Field at Pueblo, Colo.

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Track & Field at Pueblo, Colo.

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Apr 24, 2026: Whiskey Off-Road at Prescott, AZ

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Mountain Sports Mountain Bike team competes in the Whiskey Off-Road race in Prescott, Arizona.

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Apr 24, 2026: SpringFest-Night One! at Quigley Hall

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0600

SpringFest is switching it up: two free nights of free music, local vibes, and laid-back spring energy.

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Apr 25, 2026: Royal Gorge Groove Ultra at Cañon City, CO

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Mountain Sports Trail Running team competes in the Royal Gorge Groove Ultramarathon in Cañon City.

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Apr 25, 2026: SpringFest-Night Two! at Quigley Bandshell

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

SpringFest is back! Mark your calendars...

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Apr 25, 2026: Track & Field at Pueblo, Colo.

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Track & Field at Pueblo, Colo.

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Apr 25, 2026: Whiskey Off-Road at Prescott, AZ

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Mountain Sports Mountain Bike team competes in the Whiskey Off-Road race in Prescott, Arizona.

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Apr 25, 2026: River Ruckus & Earth Day BBQ at Gunnison Whitewater Park

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:00:00 -0600

River Ruckus is back! We are celebrating SpringFest with a Whitewater Park River Cleanup, Earth Day BBQ, community town float & surf competition!

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Apr 26, 2026: Track & Field at Pueblo, Colo.

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Track & Field at Pueblo, Colo.

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Apr 26, 2026: Whiskey Off-Road at Prescott, AZ

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

The Mountain Sports Mountain Bike team competes in the Whiskey Off-Road race in Prescott, Arizona.

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Apr 28, 2026: Symphonic Band & Percussion Ensemble Concert

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0600

Looking for a great evening? Join us in Cozy Kincaid Concert Hall for a night with the Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. Ross Venneberg, and the Percussion Ensemble directed by Dr. Ben Justis. Hope to see you there at 6pm!

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Apr 29, 2026: 20th Anniversary Fly Fishing Tour at University Center

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:30:00 -0600

The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking two decades of unforgettable stories, breathtaking landscapes, and a community bound by a passion for fly fishing. This milestone year promises to be a landmark event, as the tour kicks off with a fresh collection of the finest fly fishing films from across the globe.

Anglers, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts are invited to experience this special edition of the tour as it travels to cities nationwide. Featuring stunning cinematography, compelling narratives, and adrenaline-filled moments on the water, the 20th Annual F3T is a tribute to the spirit of adventure and the enduring fly fishing culture that has grown with the tour over the past twenty years.

This year’s lineup dives deeper than ever—spotlighting wild places, inspiring conservation stories, and the dedicated individuals who live and breathe fly fishing. Whether you’re a lifelong angler or new to the sport, the 2026 tour delivers a cinematic journey that’s sure to cast a lasting impression.

Hosted by Gunnison Angling Society-Trout Unlimited Chapter #057

Presented by: Skwala, Yeti, Costa
NRS, Ross Reels, Airlite, Scientific Anglers, Sawyer, Benchmade, Stranahan’s, Richardson, London Lakes, Flytime Fishing, Yakoda, Turtlebox, TroutRoutes, Rambler, Restorline, Adventure Entertainment, Trout Routes, Fly Water Travel, Got Fishing, Flylords, Casting for Recovery, Howler Bros, Montana, Fish, Parks, & Wildlife, Travel Creel Hospitality, Iceland Fishing Guide.

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May 2, 2026: Track & Field vs Western Slope Last Chance Qualifier at Mojo Field at Mountaineer Bowl at the Rady Family Sports Complex

Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Track & Field vs Western Slope Last Chance Qualifier

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May 2, 2026: Delta Upsilon's Spring Sprint 5K at Rady building front lawn

Sat, 02 May 2026 09:00:00 -0600

Delta Upsilon will host a 5k for anybody to participate in.

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May 5, 2026: Final Exams

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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May 6, 2026: Final Exams

Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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May 7, 2026: Final Exams

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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May 7, 2026: Community Health Forum at Kelley Hall

Thu, 07 May 2026 16:00:00 -0600

The Masters of Behavioral Science (MBS) program invites you to an evening of research and conversation! Graduating masters students will be presenting findings from their community-based research projects on a wide breath of topics, including: food insecurity, climate effects on mental health, and belongingness among LGBTQIA2S+ youth.

Please Join Us! Virtual option available, email jeckhardt@western.edu for the link.

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May 8, 2026: Final Exams

Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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May 8, 2026: 2026 Commencement Rehearsal & Senior Reception at Mountaineer Bowl

Fri, 08 May 2026 15:00:00 -0600

It’s time to celebrate your graduation! Please join your fellow graduates and Western faculty and staff for the 2026 Commencement Dress Rehearsal & Senior Reception.
(Reception will begin immediately after the dress rehearsal)

Light appetizers and beverages (inc. beer/wine) will be provided. Hosted by Offices of the President & Student Affairs, Student Government Association, Sodexo & LEAD Office.

Show off your best moments and wildest memories! Upload your favorite pics from your time here at Western to show up on the jumbotron during Friday’s Senior Reception and before Commencement on Saturday. Upload them here!!

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May 9, 2026: Spring Commencement

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Come celebrate Western's graduates at the annual commencement ceremony held in the Mountaineer Bowl.

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May 11, 2026: Classes begin first 3 weeks (Mayterm) and full term

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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May 21, 2026: Track & Field at Emporia, Kan.

Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Track & Field at Emporia, Kan.

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May 22, 2026: Track & Field at Emporia, Kan.

Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Track & Field at Emporia, Kan.

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May 23, 2026: Track & Field at Emporia, Kan.

Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Track & Field at Emporia, Kan.

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May 25, 2026: Memorial Day - No Classes

Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Jun 1, 2026: Classes begin first 5 weeks and 10 week sessions

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Jun 7, 2026: JMC Overnight Camps at Academic Quad North of Quigley Hall

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0600

Junior Mountaineer Camps (JMC) are offering overnight camps for youth in middle and high school. Each week of the overnight JMC programs begins on Sunday afternoon, with the campers and staff camping on campus on Sunday evening and departing for the weekly camp location on Monday morning.

Dates that JMC would be camping on-campus would be:

June 7, 21, July 5, 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9

NOTE: these dates are JMC regisration-dependent. If camps do not meet minimun registration requirements, they will be cancelled. Max # of people per camp would be 14 campers and 2 staff. Would have a max of 4-6 tents.

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Jun 19, 2026: Juneteenth - No Classes

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Jul 4, 2026: Independence Day - No Classes

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Jul 6, 2026: Classes begin second 5 week

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Aug 7, 2026: End of Summer Semester

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Aug 17, 2026: New Faculty Report

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Aug 19, 2026: New Student Orientation: First-Year Students (Aug. 19-22) at Western Colorado University

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Over the four days, students will rotate through four blocks of programming, which include: A Headwaters 100 service learning project introduction to academic resources; “Life at Western” to learn about college life and the social issues that come with it; and community trips to check out the Gunnison Valley. Activities also include a Welcome Barbecue and evening events hosted by student clubs and organizations.

The four-day New Student Orientation program is required for all first-time students that are under 21 year old (at the time when classes begin in August 2026.) First time freshman that are over 21 have their choice to attend either New Student Orientation or Transfer & Nontraditional Student Orientation. The Orientation Office or an EPIC Mentor will reach out to ask what program you prefer.Detailed schedule will be available July 2026Students will sign up for New Student Orientation via a link from Admissions. For any Orientation-related questions, contact the LEAD Office, 970.943.2469.

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Aug 19, 2026: Orientation: College 101 for Parents and Families at University Center

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Starting college is huge transition for students... and families too! If you will be bringing your student to campus, we encourage you to join us for College 101 for Parents & Families. This program will feature a panel with members from Western's Senior Cabinet and our Dean of Students, Gary Pierson. Paul Giberson, Director of Student Retention and Completion, will moderate the panel.

College 101 for Parents & Families will be followed by an optional reception to celebrate your family's transition. This is also an opportunity for parents to meet Western faculty & staff who will play important roles in your student's time at Western. Light appetizers and beverages will be served.

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Aug 20, 2026: New Student Orientation: First-Year Students (Aug. 19-22) at Western Colorado University

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Aug 21, 2026: New Student Orientation: First-Year Students (Aug. 19-22) at Western Colorado University

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Aug 21, 2026: Transfer & Nontraditional Student Orientation at Western Colorado University

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Transfer & Nontraditional Student Orientation will be offered in a hybrid format. The in-person session on Friday, Aug. 21, will primarily be focused on Academic Advising and social/networking opportunities. New transfer & nontraditional students will also take an online orientation in Canvas (Western’s academic course delivery platform), which is a chance for you to learn important information about Western, on your own pace, so you can get started on the right foot.

Programming schedule:

Orientation Resource Fair: 11:30-1:30 pm | University Center South Lawn*Orientation Check-In: 12-1:15 pm | University Center South Lawn*Orientation Program begins: 1:30 pm | University Center Ballroom*Will be move inside if raining.

Look for a detailed Orientation schedule in July 2026. For any Orientation-related questions, contact the LEAD Office, 970.943.2469.

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Aug 22, 2026: New Student Orientation: First-Year Students (Aug. 19-22) at Western Colorado University

Sat, 22 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Aug 23, 2026: University Day at CBMR at Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Sun, 23 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

UNIVERSITY DAY AT CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT (CBMR)

Crested Butte Mountain Resorts invites students up to the ski area for a relaxing day before classes begin, Sunday, Aug. 23.

Enjoy incredible scenery and new friends at the ski resort that has put this valley on the extreme skiing map. FREE lift tickets and shuttles from Western will be provided.

Tickets will be available at the CBMR base area beginning at 8:45 a.m. Anyone attending will also need to sign a CBMR waiver..SHUTTLES Transportation will leave from the University Center North Entrance at 10:30 & 11 a.m. and return from CBMR at 3:15 & 3:45 p.m. *You may also travel to and from the resort on your own.HIKE TO MT. CRESTED BUTTE Make sure you are on the early shuttle. Come prepared with water, hiking clothes, appropriate footwear (no flip-flops) and a snack. Safety: If there is potential for lightening, do not attempt to summit Mt. Crested Butte.MOUNTAIN BIKING Want to take advantage of some of the best downhill biking in the country? You are more than welcome to take a bike up to CBMR and enjoy the trails. However, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the bike park. Also, please adhere to CBMR Bike Park Safety: It is a biker's responsibility to know and follow CBMR's Mountain Bikers Responsibility Code.

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Aug 24, 2026: Classes Begin

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Aug 28, 2026: 125-Years of Western Block Party at South Main Street

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:30:00 -0600

Celebrate the start of the Fall 2026 semester with a free campus block party on the first Friday after students return. Hosted on South Main Street, the event will feature fun live music, local food vendors, artists, and a beer garden. This celebration marks 125 years of community support and brings together students and the Gunnison community.

Hosted in collaboration with OffCenter Design, the Gunnison Arts Center, I Bar, and the Chamber of Commerce.

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Sep 7, 2026: Labor Day - No Classes

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0600

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Sep 25, 2026: Family Weekend at University Center

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Join us as we celebrate 125 years of tradition, community, and Mountaineer pride at Homecoming & Family Weekend at Western Colorado University. This special weekend brings together alumni, students, families, and friends to celebrate the Mountaineer spirit and the incredible Western community. Cheer on the Homecoming Parade, experience the magic of the Lighting of the W, and gather for a Night Under the Lights football game.

We look forward to seeing you! If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact the LEAD Office at 970.943.2569 or email lead@western.edu.

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Sep 25, 2026: Homecoming 2026

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Join us September 25-27, 2026, as we celebrate 125 years of tradition, community, and Mountaineer pride at Homecoming & Family Weekend at Western Colorado University. This special weekend brings together alumni, students, families, and friends to celebrate the Mountaineer spirit and the incredible Western community. Cheer on the Homecoming Parade, experience the magic of the Lighting of the W, and gather for a Night Under the Lights football game.

We’ll also honor milestone reunions for classes ending in 1 and 6, celebrate a 50-year reunion, and recognize 25 years of Mountaineer lacrosse. Families and visitors can experience the Gunnison Valley through outdoor adventure trips, reconnect with old friends, and make new memories as we celebrate the past, present, and future of Western.

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