By ERIC Marchan and Gary collins
Students drawn to a classroom surrounded by wilderness will have such an opportunity this summer when NE Campus offers the Colorado Plateau and Southern Rocky Mountains program. Registration opens April 15.
“It’s a hands-on experience that will help students understand more geology rather than just reading about it,” said Hayden Chasteen, assistant professor of geology.
Chasteen said students will study historical, physical and environmental geology in Arizona, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico.
“Students will have the opportunity to go to places such as the Grand Canyon, Rio Grande Rift, deserts, national parks and many other places,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for students who enjoy hiking, camping and being in the outdoors.”
Students can earn eight credits during the trip: four in General Geology 2407, three in Environmental Geology and one in Physical Education 1106.
“It’s definitely a great opportunity for students to study outside of the classroom as they get summer classes taken care of as well,” NE student James Biddle said.
Chasteen said the space limitation is 11 to 15 participants, so interested students should contact him as soon as possible to pick up a course questionnaire, a prerequisite to sign up for the trip.
After the questionnaire is completed, students must pay a $375 deposit to reserve a spot, Chasteen said.
The total fee for the trip would be $750 plus tuition. The $750 will include all costs for van rentals, campsite reservations, national and state park entry fees, food, gas and oil.
“It’s definitely a good deal compared to other trips that are being offered here,” he said.
Once the trip fee has been paid in full, students can register for the three courses for the summer semester on WebAdvisor, Chasteen said.
“I recommend others to go on this trip because you really learn a lot from it,” said NE student Chris Simeone, who attended previously.
Chasteen said students must attend mandatory seminar sessions May 21-25 so they can have everything planned out. The seminar sessions are split among geology and physical education topics as well as general trip information such as field gear and instructions.
Participants depart at 6 a.m. May 26 and return June 10.
For more information, students can contact Chasteen at 817-515-6694 or hayden.chasteen@tccd.edu.
