Since 1991 the College of Natural Science and the Chemistry Department at Colorado State University have collaborated in a partnership with RMHS to offer Rocky's best AP Chemistry students college credit for C-111, C-112, C-113 and C-114, the freshman chemistry sequence for science, engineering and pre-medical majors at CSU. This is the same sequence that CSU offers to students scoring a 4 or a 5 on the Advanced Placement Exam in Chemistry. To qualify for credit, Rocky students must score A's in our AP Chemistry course. CSU's rational for granting credit directly to Rocky is to attract our best students to CSU. CSU has long recognized the strength of the RMHS science department and the students who take our courses. CSU would like those students to attend CSU. As an incentive, they offer credit in the courses they feel have qualified instructors. Because of Mr. Waterman's chemistry background and his strong relationship with the College of Natural Science and the Department of Chemistry, he has adjunct professor status at CSU. One requirement of the Chemistry Department is for the instructor to have a minimum of a Master of Science degree in chemistry and previous college teaching experience. Mr. Waterman is currently the only teacher in PSD that meets these requirements.
A valuable school advantage of the CSU chemistry option is it allows more students to take more Advanced Placement exams in other disciplines during the crowded two weeks in May when the AP tests are given.