Events and Programs

MOSAIC Learning Community | Since 2010, the MOSAIC Gateway Learning Community has prepared students to think critically, maximize team-based learning, and master the skills needed to achieve a college degree. Nominations to the program are made by the UCCS admissions committee upon review of a prospective student’s UCCS application and required supporting documents. A limited number of students are admitted to the program on a case-by-case basis and are required to participate in the MOSAIC learning community (GPS 1010:007) their first semester and First-Year Rhetoric and Writing (ENGL 1308).  The learning community is designed to provide added layers of support needed to promote academic and social success for MOSAIC Gateway Scholars.

Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion's (VCDEI) Innovation Fund | The VCDEI Innovation Fund supports student programs, events and travel that contribute to the advancement of campus diversity efforts in accord with the UCCS Inclusive Excellence and Belonging (IEB) Action Plan. Registered student organizations and their members are welcome to apply for funding to supplement funding already obtained through fundraising, personal investment, and other resources of financial support (i.e., SGA, department support, sponsorship, etc.). Student organizations can access the application from via Mountain Lion Connect. 

CU Anschutz Medical Campus Advising at MOSAIC | UCCS students interested in health professions can meet with James Speed, the Associate Director for the Office for Education Outreach & Pathway Initiatives at CU Anschutz Medical Campus, to learn more about health professions and academic requirements. While this program is open to all students, the goal of the partnership is to provide mentorship and coaching for students historically and currently underrepresented in health and medical fields. This is a free opportunity and students can receive information by subscribing to the MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center e-newsletter or visiting the MOSAIC director. 

Scholarships Night Workshop | In partnership with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, an interactive workshop on the differences between scholarships, grants, and loans, understanding what reviewers want from applicants, and preparing a strong essay. This workshop is hosted in December and February of each academic year. 

Know Your Status Clinic | In partnership with the Southern Colorado Health Network (SCHN), an educational clinic with free HIV and STi testing is hosted to provide additional information around prevention and safer practices. This clinic typically includes testing for hepatitis C (HCV), syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. An examination of systemic issues such as lack of access to health care and education are also discussed with participants. 

Period Products 101 Workshop | In partnership with the Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Services, an interactive workshop on the types and uses of different menstrual/period products is hosted to increase period literacy and empowerment. This workshop is inclusive of all genders who menstruate. Free period products, such as pads, tampons and menstrual cups, are available to the UCCS community in the MOSAIC lounge. 

Inclusive Sex Education Workshop | In partnership with UCCS Wellness Promotion, a workshop and discussion about inclusive sex education is hosted to inform participants' knowledge of safer sexual health practices and resources available across campus. This workshop is inclusive of all sexual orientations. Free products such as condoms, dental dams, and lube are available to the UCCS community in the MOSAIC lounge. 

Individual and Student Organization Advising | The full-time staff in the MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center invite students exploring their socio-cultural identities or who are interested in learning about other cultural experiences to meet with them in a variety of capacities. The staff specialize in advocating for the academic, personal, professional, and social development of historically and currently marginalized students at UCCS. We accomplish this by prioritizing the cultivation of meaningful relationships with students and serving as a consistent support system throughout their collegiate experience and beyond. Several full-time staff members also serve as advisors to cultural and identity student organizations such as the Latinx Student Union (LSU), Black Student Union (BSU), Spectrum, Asian Pacific Islander Student Union (APISU), Native American Student Association (NASA), Indian Students Alliance (ISA), and UNIDOS- undocumented student organization.

"You Belong" Project | "You belong. You matter. We're happy you're here." This is an opportunity to celebrate and uplift the diversity within the UCCS community. Participants will learn active ways to create a culture of belonging, get to connect with affinity groups, and showcase the beauty of diversity across campus. 

MLK Days of Service and Action | “Everyone can be great because everybody can serve.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Days of Service and Action complements the federal holiday as a way for everyone to begin a new year with a commitment to investing in the health and harmony of our communities. Participants can engage in projects that connect to the life and teaching of Dr. King and participate in workshops around activism, advocacy, and lifelong civic engagement. Hosted in early February each academic year. 

Juneteenth Action and Watch Party | Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday celebrated on June 19th to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Participants can expect a movie showing, Juneteenth trivia, culturally significant foods, and anti-racism workshops or discussions.

Trans Day of Remembrance and Resilience | Trans Day of Remembrance and Resilience (TDORR) is an annual observance on November 20th that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Participants can typically anticipate a keynote addressing ways to better end this violence, an open mic for those to share memories and call to action, and a candle-lit ceremony and display honoring the victims.

World AIDS Day | Since 1988, World AIDS Day has been observed on December 1 each year. World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. At UCCS, in partnership with the Southern Colorado Health Network, participants can typically expect a keynote speaker, discussion tables, and an in-memoriam candle lighting ceremony.

Reflection Rooms | UCCS offers three reflection rooms in the University Center for the campus community. These rooms are great for individuals and groups practicing reflection or needing space for holistic wellness practices. The rooms were advocated for by students to provide a calm and more private space intentionally designed for wellness expressions. We aim to provide and create inclusive spaces for all UCCS students, staff, and faculty. Visit the third level of the Kraemer Family Library, room 315, for a group reflection room. You can find this room on the east side of the library above the coffee shop in the University Center. This room provides large rugs, yoga mats, seating, warm lighting, wellness wheel prompts, and resources to engage in group reflection. Directional signage to literature on self-reflection, spirituality, wellbeing, and religion can also be found in the space for those looking for guidance. The additional two spaces can be found in the MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center (University Center room 110). The UCCS community can use each of the three rooms for up to one hour at a time and don’t need to reserve the rooms.

MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center Open House | The MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center Open House is a time for the UCCS community to meet the staff, learn about resources and upcoming events, and enjoy time building community. Held in both the fall and spring semesters. 

LGBTQ+ Welcome Mixer | An event designed for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) communities to come together to celebrate, make new friends, learn about resources, and get connected with the LGBTQ+ Program Coordinator. Typically held in the fall semester. 

FEST: A Multicultural Showcase | FEST is a multicultural showcase hosted by the MOSAIC and LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the Student Life office during disorientation Week. Students can expect performances from UCCS’ multicultural student organizations and local cultural talent, followed by a tabling fair, cultural foods, and fun community connections.

Restorative Dialogue Circles | “In restorative justice, we do a radical thing. We let people talk to each other.” - Lauren Abramson. Restorative dialogue circles are held monthly in the center to engage students in story sharing and visioning around a theme. Past themes have included navigating change, when going home is difficult, and living Dr. King's vision. 

National Coming Out Day | Commemorating the anniversary of the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, the first observed National Coming Out Day in 1988 served as a reminder that one of the most basic forms of activism is the power of coming out and living life authentically. All members of the community are encouraged to attend this annual event on October 11th to connect, join LGBTQ+ organizations, learn about community resources, and enjoy food, games, dancing, and activities.

Disability Open Mic | Each year, for Disability Awareness Month, a poetry workshop and open mic to celebrate, honor, and elevate the experiences of people with visible and invisible disabilities is hosted in collaboration with Poetry 719- a Black-ran community poetry organization in Colorado Springs.

National First-Generation College Student Day | Held on, or around, November 8th each year, this is an opportunity to showcase first-generation pride on campus by students, staff, and faculty. Held in collaboration with Student and Family Connections, this is a great opportunity to connect, enjoy treats, and learn more about the First 2 Go program at UCCS. 

Queer-aoke | "It's karaoke but we make it spicy!" Music has been utilized across cultures to build community, share stories, and celebrate all the expressions of life. Typically held in Clyde’s Gastropub during the spring semester, students, staff, and faculty can participate in a night of musical expression with new and old friends in an LGBTQ+ centric space.

Trans Day of Visibility | International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) was created in 2010 by trans advocate Rachel Crandall, the head of Transgender Michigan. This was designed to "re-focus on celebrating the lives of transgender people, empowering them to live authentically, while still acknowledging that due to discrimination, not every trans person can or wants to be visible." On or around March 31st, participants can typically anticipate poster making and a display in preparation for the annual drag show, or a film screening and discussion celebrating trans' lives. 

Annual Drag Show | Drag is defined as dressing or performing in a style typically associated with another gender through various forms of expression such as costume and/or performance. Drag artists focus on the art of queering gender performance. Attendees of the annual drag show can expect both seasoned professionals and budding student artists' performances. Hosted since 2013 in partnership with the Department of Student Life. 

PRIDE Week | Pride Week is held in the spring semester each academic year and designed to bring both educational and social events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Students can typically expect a week of events such as PRIDE Panel and Presentation, PRIDE Family Picnic, LGBTQ+ Prom, a movie night, and a healthcare fair including free HIV and STI testing. 

Pikes Peak Pride Parade | Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are invited to participate in the Pikes Peak Pride Parade to represent the UCCS community! After the parade, the community gathers at UCCS Downtown for food, games, dancing, giveaways, and time to connect in a relaxed environment. Hosted in collaboration with Staff and Faculty Pride Council and the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

First-Generation and Multicultural (F.A.M.) Graduation Celebration | This celebration, hosted in December and May, honors the impact of students working towards access, inclusion, community, and paving pathways in and through higher education for historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. Students receive first-generation cords, international cords, lavender stoles, and the MOSAIC stole during this ceremony. Hosted in collaboration with International Affairs and the office of Student and Family Connections.