Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is Wilderness Based Orientation intended for?

Any incoming new student. WBO is designed to serve as an adventure-based orientation for all new Western students. Whether you are a freshman or transfer student, if you have been admitted to Western for the fall semester you are welcome to participate in WBO. It is not just for folks who know their way around the outdoors. On the contrary, WBO is for any student who is interested in having an awesome experience, is ready to learn a new skill and wants to get to know their new home in the Gunnison Valley. No prior experience is required to participate, you just need to be physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. Please see the Medical Form and Liability Waiver for more information.

How do I sign up for WBO?

Online! You will sign up for a WBO course when you register for a New Student Orientation session.

Do I still need to attend a New Student Orientation Session?

Yes. On campus New Student Orientation is mandatory for all freshmen and transfer students with fewer than 24 credits. WBO courses are offered as supplemental programs to New Student Orientation, not as a substitute.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to provide your own clothing, personal items, and basic outdoor gear including a backpack and sleeping bag appropriate for the course you will participate in. All technical equipment needed for your trip will be provided by WBO. Please see individual gear lists for each course. Select your Wilderness Based Orientation course to see what gear you need.

How hard is it?

Each WBO expedition is different. The amount of skill and physical difficulty of each particular expedition is explained in the description. If you have any questions at all regarding necessary skills or level of difficulty please call the WBO Office at (970) 943-7051.

What does the trip cost go toward and when is payment due?

The fee is used to cover the direct costs of the expedition such as transportation, food, equipment, permits, and staff stipend. The fee does not cover the cost of overhead such as the Director's salary, or facilities. The program fees are different from one expedition to the next because the direct costs vary between courses. There is a $150 deposit due upon registration and the remainder will be charged to your student account and is due by July 15th. Log on to Inside Western to view and pay your bill online. You may also call the Cashier's Office at 970-943-3003 to pay your bill with a credit card over the phone.

What do I need to do to secure my place on a WBO course?

1. Register online

2. Pay the $150 deposit

3. Complete all documents in the WBO packet that will be emailed to you upon registration and submit by July 15th

4. Pay for your course in full by July 15th (scholarship applicants, see note below)

Are scholarships available?

Yes! WBO is proud to offer scholarships for those with financial need and who exemplify the values of WBO. Applications are due July 1st. Applicants will be contacted regarding their standing by July 15th and will have a grace period until July 20th to pay any remaining tuition that may be due.

What is your safety record?

Our program has an excellent safety record. We have never had a serious incident. The staff of WBO hold current Wilderness First Responder medical certifications. The program is administered by a full-time professional Director with 12 years of outdoor programming and guiding experience and is fully backed by Western State College of Colorado.

Are courses open to persons with disabilities?

The Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte and WBO have teamed up to offer a universal curriculum to welcome WSC students of any physical or developmental ability on the 3-day Crested Butte Camping course. This course has the best environment for any student to participate and build new friendships right before classes start!

Can I move into my Residence Hall before WBO begins?

Yes. Students attending a WBO course may move into their room the day before they depart for their WBO trip. This gives you time to safely store your belongings before you leave. Go directly to your residence hall between 3:00pm and 5:00pm the day before your trip departure date to check in to your room and get your key.

Can friends and family attend a WBO course?

No. Courses are available to incoming new WSC students only. Your on campus New Student Orientation session however, is open to guests.

What is your refund policy if I choose to cancel my trip?

The $150 deposit is non-refundable.
If you choose to withdraw from your WBO course 30 to 14 days prior to WBO program start, you will receive a 50% refund of WBO fees minus the non-refundable deposit.
If you choose to withdraw less than 14 days prior to the WBO program start, you will not be eligible for any refund of WBO fees. This includes departure from the program once it has begun for medical or motivational reasons.
WBO reserves the right to change program locations, itineraries, group size, and instructor ratio should the need arise due to weather, water levels, closures of public lands, staffing, equipment, safety or program issues.

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