Cornerstone Program

If you are an undergraduate student in Regis College's School for Professional Advancement, the Anderson College of Business and Computing or Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions' Division of Health Services Education, and you are transferring fewer than 45 credit hours or starting your education fresh, you will begin at Regis with Cornerstone, part of Regis's adult learner core curriculum.* This program cultivates the foundational skills you will need for your education and your career while introducing you to your peers for a cohesive learning experience.

Three Cornerstone Components

Foundational Classes

We developed Cornerstone to connect four core classes, required for graduation, together. This gives you a more meaningful experience, as the courses build in skill development and theme. At the end of this program, you will have a foundation to jump into the remainder of your time at Regis.

Academic Cohort

You will be assigned to a cohort of 12-18 students to complete the Cornerstone classes. Your cohort is your built-in network of mutual peer support, easing your transition back into academic life. We encourage you to lean on your peers for social and academic backing through the rest of your experience at Regis.

Academic Success Coach

You will be assigned a dedicated academic success coach who will provide you with individualized support and help keep you focused on your academic goals. Ask your coach for anything you may need—that is what they are there for!

Building the Academic Foundation

Each of the four classes within the Cornerstone program is seven weeks long, with a one-week break between courses so you can refresh, re-center and focus on the courses you are taking for your major, if you decide to take more than one at a time. You will complete all four classes with your cohort. The classes are:

The Skilled Learner: hone your oral and written communication skills
Intro to Philosophy: analyze yourself and the world around you while implementing what you’ve learned
Intro to Religion: explore religion around the globe and across time to practice critical thinking and intercultural skills
Leading Lives That Matter: combine your new skills in this course on social responsibility and ethical reasoning

Community On Campus

Various on-campus events held at our Northwest Denver Campus will give you the chance to meet your classmates and engage with the larger Regis community. Keep your eye on your email and the Regis events calendar for upcoming on-campus opportunities.

Scholars Deserve a Scholarship

Successfully complete the four Cornerstone classes, and we will cover the cost of your fifth.** We believe in the power of these foundational courses that strongly. Our Cornerstone Scholarship celebrates your success and keeps you moving toward the graduation stage.

adult learner student smiling at Regis University

Student Spotlight: Melissa Grant

Major: BA in Communication
Minor: Philosophy
Specialization: Leadership and Conflict Management

"The opportunity for real-time application in the Regis adult learner programs is extraordinary."

Learn More about Melissa Grant's Experience

What led you to choose Regis?

I chose to attend Regis based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback expressed by family and colleagues, especially my sister, Emily Austin, who experienced considerable personal growth and success in their field of study as a Regis alumnus.

Which class do you cherish the most?

The Skilled Learner, taught by Dr. W., provided exposure to tools and Regis-specific resources I would draw on again in later classes. What initially appeared to be a review of concepts adult learners often feel they already understand, this class does an outstanding job driving mastery of time management, reframing student peer group etiquette, and compartmentalizing the skills needed for success in academia.
Leading Lives that Matter was an outstanding, reflective class taught by Professor Pickins (who also taught my Intro to Philosophy and Critical Thinking classes), exploring interconnectedness.

Who has had the most impact on you during your time at Regis University?

Dr. Rumfelt stands out, and she was impactful to my development as a person and the path of my studies. She emulates speaking to every learning style and brings moral logic, philosophy, and ethical principles to life. Dr. Rumfelt provides the most comprehensive resources alongside the course content and texts. She is adept at facilitating class-wide engagement in the discussion forum and building rapport with students.

What doors has Regis helped open for you to get to this point?

My Regis journey began in August 2020, shortly after a reduction in force at my employer due to the pandemic. In December 2020, I found a seasonal supervisory role with a new company. The opportunity for real-time application in the Regis adult learner programs is extraordinary. In late winter, I received a promotion into a year-round Supervisory role before advancing to a Sales Team Management position in the spring. The real-time application has been most valuable in my personal growth and how I can effectively coach, engage and effect change as a people leader.

What is your advice to students thinking about coming to Regis?

Do not hesitate to speak to an admission counselor; I only wish I had sooner! When I learned about the wide variety of online degree programs with 8-week, 7-week, and 5-week class duration, I started the following term and am glad I did!

*Cornerstone is required for accelerated, online and/or evening undergraduate students transferring 0-44 credit hours and enrolling in the Regis College School for Professional Advancement, Anderson College of Business and Computing and Division of Health Services. Up to two of the courses may be accepted in transfer. Please contact your admissions counselor to determine eligibility.

**To receive the Cornerstone Scholarship, you must meet the eligibility standards (stated above), maintain continuous enrollment and receive a passing grade for four consecutive classes at Regis.