Vida: where life, learning, and purpose intersect
Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Exploratory Studies join a vibrant community where curiosity thrives and connections matter. Here, you’ll explore your interests, discover how they align with your academic path, and turn those passions into meaningful careers. Vida is about more than classes—it’s about building relationships, finding purpose, and making the most of every opportunity a liberal arts education offers at CSU and beyond. Because when we learn together, we live fully—Vida.
Live and Grow in Vida
Vida is open to any first-year student with a major in the College of Liberal Arts and to non-STEM Exploratory Study first-year students.
Apply
- The Fall 2026 Vida application is now open!
- You will also need to apply for University Housing through their application.
- We will begin reviewing applications for Fall 2026 students at the end of February 2026, and then review them on a weekly basis.
- Students with a major in the College of Liberal Arts will also be considered for the Boost Scholarship. No separate application is needed.
- Contact us at CLA_Vida@Mail.colostate.edu if you have questions.
About
Vida is a Residential Learning Community at CSU consisting of 76 students, all with majors in the College of Liberal Arts or Exploratory Studies. Together with peer facilitators, faculty, and staff, they explore their interests and connect them to academics and careers all while building community and having fun along the way.
Vida is located in Parmelee Hall which has suite-style rooms, community lounges, study spaces, and a dining facility. Gender inclusive room choice will be available.
Students in Vida will be asked to:
- Participate in room selection during RLC week in June and select a roommate also in Vida
- Select a room in Parmelee Hall
- Complete all monthly self-exploration activities
- Participate in at least one community event per semester
- Register for IU174B: Questions for Human Flourishing (3 cr) Fall 2026
- Complete the end of the year survey
Our goal: to create a supportive residential and academic community where students explore connections across disciplines, link interests and academics to career, and cultivate meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and staff.
Contact
- CLA_Vida@Mail.colostate.edu
- 970-491-3117 – If no one answers, please leave a voicemail.
Staff
Rosanna Bateman
- Assistant Director, Academic Success Coordinator
I wear many hats at CSU. I am the Assistant Director of the College of Liberal Arts Academic Support Center, an Academic Advisor for the Department of Art & Art History, and the Director of Vida. My background is in international business, French, and linguistics, with degrees from Dominican University and Indiana University. I’ve been with CSU since 2011. Outside of work (and sometimes with work!), I love traveling, playing the piano, doing word and number puzzles, hiking, and most of all, spending time with my family.
Carol Erwin
- Director of Advising and New Student Experience
I currently serve as the Director of Advising and New Student Experience in the College of Liberal Arts. My passion for student success comes from a unique journey of working in higher education. Before coming to CSU, I was an English faculty member at small university in New Mexico where we served many first generation and nontraditional students. I also worked at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. I run two writing centers, taught a wide range of courses from composition to graduate literature courses, and served as the chair of an academic department. I came to CSU because of its land grant mission. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, snow skiing, paddle boarding, running, reading, and throwing pottery. My greatest joy is spending time with my adult children and watching them become kind, thoughtful, and compassionate humans making a difference in the world.
Keri Canada
- Program Manager
Ashby Butnor
- Faculty Coordinator
I’m an Associate Teaching Professor of Philosophy and the Faculty Coordinator for Vida. I’ve been teaching philosophy for more than 20 years, and I love helping students discover why philosophy is meaningful and relevant. My teaching focuses on creating engaging learning experiences through first-year seminars, learning communities, service-learning, and study abroad, including a First Year Abroad course, Happiness in Denmark. In Vida, I design learning experiences with faculty that explore major themes across the liberal arts—from democracy and the environment to migration and food justice. Outside of teaching, I enjoy pottery, traveling, family time, and spending time outdoors in Colorado.
Boost Scholarship Program
Our college offers a specific program to support first year and transfer students in their first academic year at CSU. Students complete activities proven to help them feel connected and succeed both in and outside the classroom, with a promise of a $500 scholarship upon completion.
