How is a RAP different from another dorm?
RAP stands for Residential Academic Program. RAPs are housed in normal dorms like Smith, Farrand and Williams Village. What sets a RAP apart from other residence halls is that students in a Residential Academic Program are able–and required–to take at least one class per semester within their hall. Professors from wider campus come to RAPs to teach classes to a smaller group of students. Each RAP has a different focus–from Communication to Health Professions. G-RAP offers courses in anthropology, history, international affairs, languages, political science and more. These courses all have a global/international theme, but most fill College of Arts and Sciences core requirements, so students from any major are welcome to join G-RAP. Most of our students are International Affairs majors, followed closely by Business. The majority of G-RAP students also study a language, and almost all of them will study abroad in their CU careers. For more information on other RAPs at CU Boulder, visit the Housing website.
Why G-RAP?
G-RAP offers students the opportunity to participate in a community of like-minded students, while also being able to pursue their academics in a more intimate setting. Students who are actively engaged in the G-RAP community will benefit from having close access to faculty through small classes of 15-18 students, individualized academic advising and support from the G-RAP staff, and the ongoing opportunity to participate in community-building events with an international focus. One of the greatest benefits of participating in G-RAP is membership in a small community at a large university. Students will interact with faculty specially chosen from campus to teach, community organizers, university staff, and others relevant to international study. G-RAP is the only RAP on campus to employ student coordinators, whose job it is to make sure students are informed about upcoming events and all CU and Boulder have to offer. We are also one of the only RAPs that hires previous participants as Fellows. Fellows collaborate with professors to plan study sessions, offer revising help, tutor, etc. Each Fellow holds office hours in the hall to give students easy access to them as a resource.
Do I have to be an International Affairs major to participate in G-RAP?
Although a large majority of our students tend to be IAFS majors, it is not a requirement for participation in G-RAP. The program is excellent for anyone with international interests (academic or otherwise), those who have traveled extensively or lived abroad, and students that desire to live in a small community. Business, economics, history, language, music, political science, religious studies and sociology are just a few examples of majors complemented perfectly by participation in G-RAP.
Once admitted into the program, what are the requirements for participation?
Students accepted into G-RAP must take at least one of our designated courses (offered in the residence hall) for the fall and spring semesters. Approximately 14 different courses are offered per semester and fill a variety of core and elective credit requirements. Students are also asked to attend various mandatory events throughout the year, including two in August, and are highly encouraged to participate in several co-curricular events such as faculty dinner series or immigrant dialogue day throughout the year.
If I leave the residence hall, will I receive a refund for the G-RAP fee?
The G-RAP fee is non-refundable. The only condition under which a student may be eligible for a refund is if he/she withdraws from the university before the drop/add period in the fall. Students requesting a full/partial refund for any other reason (illness, family death, etc.) must provide documentation to the G-RAP director.
Are there scholarships available for the RAP fee?
The program allocates funding each year to be awarded on a need basis for those who wish to participate in G-RAP, but are unable to do so due to financial reasons. If you would like to be considered for a need-based scholarship to cover the RAP fee, please contact the Program Manager at 303.735.3189. In addition, the top ten students on the Director’s List are also eligible for scholarships on a funding-available basis.
Can I participate in G-RAP for more than one year?
Currently, G-RAP is only a year-long program. However, it is the program’s goal to expand the number of spaces available for upper-division students. Those who wish to participate for a second year may do so in the capacity of a Fellow (academic mentors), but are required to apply for this position. The application period for the Fellow position commences each January.