Discoveries Orientation Fall 2024

First Ascent is an experience that is personalized to our new students, allowing you opportunities to connect with your peers, immerse yourself in self-discovery, and explore our breathtaking Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC). On your First Ascent, you and your peers will participate in a weekend getaway that will be transformational in your time at DU.

Activities include outdoor experiences, reflection, and mentorship at KMC. 
Trail walks and hikes
Challenge course
Indoor and outdoor rock climbing
Personal fitness
Reflection and meditation
Arts and crafts
Board games and much more! 

Students can choose from one many fall weekend trip options. If you are interested in participating in this experience, please register immediately to secure your spot. The registration form will collect important information related to your housing and dietary preferences, as well as any essential medical history or accommodation requests.  

Check out the First Ascent Website for full details including a copy of the Schedule and Packing List! Students who are registered will receive email reminders starting two weeks prior to the trip date. Register today! 

Join the Office of Student Employment at our student employment job fair! During this event, students will be able to meet with on-campus employers looking for talented future team members across all majors.

Unsure of where your classes are? 4D Peer Mentors can help! Come to Campus Green to walk your schedule with a 4D Peer Mentor so you feel prepared for the first week of classes

Join us for a welcome back event! Check advertisements in your community or ask your Resident Assistant (RA) for location details.

Come check out all the student clubs and organizations that DU has to offer. Learn about the various ways to get involved on campus and meet other students with similar interests and hobbies as you! We encourage you to take a look at the list of student organizations on Crimson Connect and the Club Sports ahead of time and show up between 3:00 and 5:00pm for this fun event!

This meeting is mandatory for all residents to build community standards and complete your roommate agreements. Check with your RA for the location!

Residential returning students move back in to their residence halls

Your 4D Peer Mentors are looking to join you on 6 different adventures around Denver throughout the day. All options are free and will utilize free transportation; however, if you wish to purchase food or goods along the way, please plan ahead for that.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THE RTD App ahead of time and bring your ID and School ID to show any RTD personnel to ride FREE.

While you will receive an email with all the information for each option upon registration, please check out the details below:

DENVER ART MUSEUM:
Join Peer Mentors at the University of Denver Lightrail station around 11:25AM and look for your friendly Peer Mentors! You will take the 11:38AM train (H Line) towards Union Station and get off after 2 stops at I-25 and Broadway Station get off to head 1 min walk to the Bus station (Gate C1). From there you will take the bus towards Union Station at 12:05pm and get off after 11 stops at Lincoln St and 13th Avenue, just 2 min walk from the museum. Alternative route would be Taking the same H Line 4 stops and getting off at 10th and Osage Station, followed by 1.2 mile walk (your preference). The Museum is located at 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204. Everyone should arrive to the museum around 12:20pm and you can enter together should you like. PM's will help you with a ride back as well.

Denver Art Museum offers a blending of history, culture, and creativity in an inspiring setting. Look up for the following upcoming free days in 2024:
Saturday, September 7
Tuesday, September 10
Tuesday, October 8
Saturday, November 2
Tuesday, November 12
Tuesday, December 10

WASHINGTON PARK DAY:
Join Peer Mentors at Dimond Village Green BY 10:30am if you want to walk over to Wash Park (about 20-25 min walk), or meet them in the southern corners of the park (look for the PM shirts!). Mentors will be at the park until around 2:00pm or if weather gets bad.

UNION STATION:
Meet at University of Denver's Lightrail (RTD) station at 9:25am (train will leave BY 9:38am).
Grab some coffee and pastries from Pigtrain Coffee Co. and check out Tattered Cover Book Store as you explore Union Station in the heart of Denver. Meet the 4D Peer Mentors at the University of Denver RTD Station by 9:25am to catch the H Line to Union Station at 9:38am. You will ride the train North to Union Station, the last stop, and from there follow 17th St. to Union Station. With Union Station being in the heart of Denver, you can also cross the Millennium Bridge on the north end of 16th St. to Commons Park or explore the blocks of eateries and shopping vendors throughout central Denver and 16th St. Mall.

SOUTH PEARL STREET:
Meet at University of Denver's Lightrail (RTD) station at 9:25am (train will leave BY 9:38am).
Explore one of Denver’s most historic and charming shopping districts right next to DU with plenty of locally-owned businesses and some of the hottest restaurants in Denver. Pearl St. also hosts the famous pearl st farmers market every Sunday until November. To get there, meet your peer mentors at the University of Denver RTD Station by 9:25am to catch the H Line to Louisiana/Pearl Station at 9:38am. Louisiana/Pearl Station will be the first stop, then you’ll walk two blocks west on Louisiana Ave. until you’ve reached Pearl St. While you’re there make sure to check out Stella’s Coffee, Tokyo Premium Bakery, and keep an eye out for the miniature fairy doors local businesses have created! There are Farmers Markets along Pearl Street every Sunday Morning throughout summer until late October.

ARCADE GAMES AND BOARD GAMES IN CCOM:
Join 4D Peer Mentors and friends in the Community Commons 1st floor area for arcade games and board games from 2:00 - 5:00pm.

LARIMER SQUARE:
Meet at the University of Denver Lightrail station by 11:00am and join Peer Mentors on the 11:08am E line train north. Take the train 7 stops and get off at the Ball Arena/Elitch Gardens stop. Then walk 15 minutes east towards Larimer street past Ball Arena and the CU Denver campus.

FERRET DREAMS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
Meet at Community Commons BY 10:00am and you will be directed.

• Washington Park Meet-up (11:00am - 2:00pm) - Join 4D Peer Mentors on an adventure to Wash Park for freeze pops, volleyball and park games. Walk over with PM's at 10:30am from Dimond Village Green if you'd like!
• Arcade and Board Game Meet-up (2:00 - 5:00pm) - Join 4D Peer Mentors in Community Commons Canyon for board games, ping pong, and fun
• South Pearl Street Hangout (9:20AM) - Join 4D Peer Mentors on a trip over to the historic South Pearl Street area for some snacks, shopping, and fun
• Denver Art Museum (Free visit day ALL DAY!) - Join 4D Peer Mentors on group trip leaving University of Denver Station at 11:30am, or meet them there at 12:20pm
• Discover Union Station (9:20AM) - Join 4D Peer Mentors on an adventure to explore Union Station and surrounding restaurants, parks, and coffee shops
• Larimer Square Meet-up (11:00AM): Join others for a trip to Larimer Square to grab ice cream and surrounding area
• Ferret Dreams Rescue (10am-1pm) - Meet outside CCOM! Play with rescued ferrets after helping this facility clean crates, wash toys, and organize the house!

Unsure of where your classes are? 4D Peer Mentors can help! Come to Campus Green to walk your schedule with a 4D Peer Mentor so you feel prepared for the first week of classes

Join us for this fun event as part of Discoveries After Dark. All students are welcome to join us for this event as a welcome back to campus concert and dance party event! Come wearing white/neon ready to eat some delicious food from food trucks (First 200 get FREE meals!), have some cool designs painted with glow body paint, and listen to some live music and DJ'd dance party! Hosted by DUPB, and Fraternity and Sorority Life's Tri Council, come have fun with us!

Dining Hall open

FSEM destinations are a highlight of the DU Discoveries experience as they introduce students often to the Denver Community, as well as giving them time to dive in deeper with their peers and professor.

Dining Hall open

General orientation for all new graduate students. This session will provide information about broad DU resources available to all graduate students. Colleges will host separate session catered to your specific degree programs.

Transfer students are invited to our on-campus destination to connect with other new students.

Dining Hall open

Join the Living Learning Communities for a social dedicated to all LLC students!

Join us in the Community Commons, Campus Green Tent, and Sturm Hall for Friday Night Live!

8:00 - 10:30pm - Video game tournament (Mario Kart) for cool prizes, Dance Dance Revolution, and other arcade games all night in Community Commons.

Gaming tournament starts at 9:00pm! Come early to get a spot on the signups, or sign up before you attend the hypnotist.

8:30 - 10:30pm - Drag Bingo for prizes, music, etc. in the Campus Green white tent.

8:00 - 9:00pm - Hypnotist in Davis Auditorium (Sturm Hall - next to Campus Green)

9:00pm - 9:30pm - Spiritual/contemplative walk through campus with Dr. Pessin (share in spiritual conversation and reflection with the Director of Spiritual Life). Meet at the smaller white tents on Campus Green.

Dining Hall open

4D Peer mentors opening with an icebreaker or short activity, the group will get another chance to get to know one another.

The group will close out their time together by previewing the Resource Roundtables.

New first year students will meet with their FSEM faculty. Transfer students will go to Transfer Student Orientation.

Specialized orientation sessions for new transfer students.

Students in the Honor Program will join their program for orientation and lunch.

Your 4D Peer Mentor will discuss your rotation details with you directly. Be sure to check your group chat for full details.

Graduate International students will go through important training

Learn about study abroad opportunities, how to academically and financially plan for your study abroad and things to consider when selecting a study abroad program.

The University Honors Program is a community of students, faculty, and staff who are hungry for knowledge, passionate about a wide range of topics, and who want to learn in community with one another – both within the classroom and beyond. New first-year and transfer students who are interested in the Honors Program will have one opportunity to apply at the end of the Fall 2024 quarter. This session will give a brief overview of the Honors Program and the application process. If you think you might be interested in Honors, join us to learn more!

We will be discussing all the programming that is offered for students at the Ritchie Center. That includes club sports, intramurals, fitness, wellness and outdoor experience.

At DU, the Career & Professional Development team is ready to help you find jobs that are right for you both during and after your degree program! In this session, you will learn about how to get a job on campus and how to start planning for your career after graduation.

The purpose is to introduce incoming students to Fraternity and Sorority Life at DU. We will provide students with information about our community, each council, the chapters on campus, and how to join. Further, we will share information about how and why joining will enhance the DU experience.

Join us for an informative session designed for first-generation college students and their families. During this Resource Flash Talk, you’ll discover how FIRST@DU can enhance your college journey while learning valuable tips and tricks for early success. Whether you’re looking to connect with resources or simply want to start strong, this session will set you on the path to thriving at DU.

Were you on your High School Student Council? Want to learn more about representing your fellow students or planning amazing events for DU? This Flash-Talk is the one for you! We'll talk about the DU-version of Student Council type involvement and what you can expect if you're interested in getting involved with Student Government or the DU Programming Board.

From existential meaning-making to spiritual practices to interfaith bridging, explore some of the Spiritual Life resources at DU and find ways to get involved!

Students will receive an overarching understanding of the goal of AccessibleDU: Student Disability Services. Student will learn about what SDS offers, when to contact SDS, and how to apply for accommodations throughout their time at DU

During this session, you will hear from the Health Promotion team about the elements that are needed in a healthy relationship. We will cover topics such as personal values, red and green flags, and consent.

Are you interested in social justice and making change in partnership with communities? Come learn about community engagement opportunities through CCESL, including student programs, events, courses, and resources. CCESL provides opportunities for students to engage in meaningful collaborations with communities and to develop the knowledge, skills, and commitments to become agents of collaborative change.

Time management in college looks a lot different than in high school. Priorities and responsibilities will change every term. Come meet with Student Success Coaching to begin evaluating your time, class schedule, and beyond to successfully start the school year strong.

The Sturm Center is part of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver. The clinic is both an academic clinical training site and a community behavioral health center for Veterans, Service Members and their families.

The Sturm Center provides high-quality, evidence-based and confidential behavioral health services on the University of Denver Campus in the Ammi Hyde Building and through telehealth services. We welcome all Veterans (no matter discharge status, era or combat status), Service Members (including Guard and Reserve), and their families (including chidren). We provide a wide range of behavioral health services and a variety of psychological assessments.

Services we offer include:

Adult Individual Therapy
Family/Couples Therapy
Child/Adolescent Therapy
Group Therapy
Referrals to Community Resources
Psychological Assessments (Objective Medical Evidence, Cognitive, Personality, Learning Disorders, Clarification of Diagnosis)

These services can help with:

Military readjustment
Grief and loss
Depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress
Family, parenting and relationship stress
Trauma (combat, sexual, first responder, childhood)
Adjustment to medical conditions and sleep problems
Anger management
Occupational/educational stressors
Obtainment of academic or workplace disability-related accommodations

An overview of all that the Newman Center offers... from $15 tickets for the Newman Center Presents series to opportunities to participate with DU's Theatre Department, access Lamont School of Music practice rooms, etc.

As you embark on the next chapter of your journey toward your big dreams and aspirations. Take a moment to join us as we work toward turn those dreams into reality by setting goals and creating an action plan for achieving them. We will discuss using the SMART goals framework to create well formed goals that are in alignment with your dreams and give you the tools to create a personalize action plan to reach them.

Be able to identify HCC services (CAPE, CRP, Medical, Counseling and Health Promotion) and how to access services.

Want to learn more about how to navigate Denver? We can show you how to use the RTD app, tell you about the lightrail and bus systems, and learn all the tricks to the city!

Learn about study abroad opportunities, how to academically and financially plan for your study abroad and things to consider when selecting a study abroad program.

The University Honors Program is a community of students, faculty, and staff who are hungry for knowledge, passionate about a wide range of topics, and who want to learn in community with one another – both within the classroom and beyond. New first-year and transfer students who are interested in the Honors Program will have one opportunity to apply at the end of the Fall 2024 quarter. This session will give a brief overview of the Honors Program and the application process. If you think you might be interested in Honors, join us to learn more!

We will be discussing all the programming that is offered for students at the Ritchie Center. That includes club sports, intramurals, fitness, wellness and outdoor experience.

At DU, the Career & Professional Development team is ready to help you find jobs that are right for you both during and after your degree program! In this session, you will learn about how to get a job on campus and how to start planning for your career after graduation.

The purpose is to introduce incoming students to Fraternity and Sorority Life at DU. We will provide students with information about our community, each council, the chapters on campus, and how to join. Further, we will share information about how and why joining will enhance the DU experience.

Join us for an informative session designed for first-generation college students and their families. During this Resource Flash Talk, you’ll discover how FIRST@DU can enhance your college journey while learning valuable tips and tricks for early success. Whether you’re looking to connect with resources or simply want to start strong, this session will set you on the path to thriving at DU.

Were you on your High School Student Council? Want to learn more about representing your fellow students or planning amazing events for DU? This Flash-Talk is the one for you! We'll talk about the DU-version of Student Council type involvement and what you can expect if you're interested in getting involved with Student Government or the DU Programming Board.

From existential meaning-making to spiritual practices to interfaith bridging, explore some of the Spiritual Life resources at DU and find ways to get involved!

Students will receive an overarching understanding of the goal of AccessibleDU: Student Disability Services. Student will learn about what SDS offers, when to contact SDS, and how to apply for accommodations throughout their time at DU

During this session, you will hear from the Health Promotion team about the elements that are needed in a healthy relationship. We will cover topics such as personal values, red and green flags, and consent.

Are you interested in social justice and making change in partnership with communities? Come learn about community engagement opportunities through CCESL, including student programs, events, courses, and resources. CCESL provides opportunities for students to engage in meaningful collaborations with communities and to develop the knowledge, skills, and commitments to become agents of collaborative change.

Time management in college looks a lot different than in high school. Priorities and responsibilities will change every term. Come meet with Student Success Coaching to begin evaluating your time, class schedule, and beyond to successfully start the school year strong.

The Sturm Center is part of the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver. The clinic is both an academic clinical training site and a community behavioral health center for Veterans, Service Members and their families.

The Sturm Center provides high-quality, evidence-based and confidential behavioral health services on the University of Denver Campus in the Ammi Hyde Building and through telehealth services. We welcome all Veterans (no matter discharge status, era or combat status), Service Members (including Guard and Reserve), and their families (including chidren). We provide a wide range of behavioral health services and a variety of psychological assessments.

Services we offer include:

Adult Individual Therapy
Family/Couples Therapy
Child/Adolescent Therapy
Group Therapy
Referrals to Community Resources
Psychological Assessments (Objective Medical Evidence, Cognitive, Personality, Learning Disorders, Clarification of Diagnosis)

These services can help with:

Military readjustment
Grief and loss
Depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress
Family, parenting and relationship stress
Trauma (combat, sexual, first responder, childhood)
Adjustment to medical conditions and sleep problems
Anger management
Occupational/educational stressors
Obtainment of academic or workplace disability-related accommodations

An overview of all that the Newman Center offers... from $15 tickets for the Newman Center Presents series to opportunities to participate with DU's Theatre Department, access Lamont School of Music practice rooms, etc.

As you embark on the next chapter of your journey toward your big dreams and aspirations. Take a moment to join us as we work toward turn those dreams into reality by setting goals and creating an action plan for achieving them. We will discuss using the SMART goals framework to create well formed goals that are in alignment with your dreams and give you the tools to create a personalize action plan to reach them.

Be able to identify HCC services (CAPE, CRP, Medical, Counseling and Health Promotion) and how to access services.

Want to learn more about how to navigate Denver? We can show you how to use the RTD app, tell you about the lightrail and bus systems, and learn all the tricks to the city!

All new students (FTFY & TR) students will attend the College Receptions during this time.

CAHSS welcomes new students to get their questions answered about our majors and programs, connect with department advisors and learn more about opportunities and support available throughout the college.

-Psychology will have information sessions starting at 3:00, 3:20, and 3:40.

-Music students are invited for an additional in-depth orientation from 4-5 p.m. in Sturm Hall, room 254.

-English students are invited for an additional in-depth orientation from 4-4:30 p.m. in Sturm Hall, room 134.

We will have individual department meetings, followed by a college-wide reception in BAUD 101 from 4:15-5pm. Read here to see where you meet based on your major.
Geography & the Environment: Boettcher Auditorium 101
Mathematics: Clarence M Knudson Hall 101
Physics: Physics Building 118
Biology: Sturm Hall 281
Chemistry & Biochemistry: Olin ba105
Natural Science & Mathematics (NSM): Boettcher Auditorium 101

Josef Korbel School of International Studies welcomes our incoming students with a welcome from our Dean, faculty, and staff. We will have an ice breaker activity and small groups to learn more about our programs. Come enjoy beverages and treats to kickoff the start of the year!

Welcome from the Dean and support faculty/staff
Q&A panel with current students and Alumni
Advising/information student breakout sessions
Frozen treat social students on the ECS lawn

College Welcome Presentation
Tours of Margery Reed and Daniels College of Business

Welcome from the Office of Academc Advising and Career & Professional Development for all students who are still undecided and exploring their major and career options. Come connect and learn more about resources and support services to help aid in your career exploration.

Students will join faculty and staff for a presentation covering advising resources, course descriptions, program requirements, and career services. Following the presentations, students are encouraged to stay for light refreshments and connect with their peers and the KINE team. (Please email kaela.walker@du.edu with any dietary restrictions or accommodation requests).

Informal drop-in session and mingle for Honors students

The Cultural Center invites you to our lounge receptions hosted in both the BIPOC Lounge and Pride Lounge. Come by to meet The Cultural Center staff and other BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ students and enjoy some tea, light refreshments, and a chance to win some DU swag! The Cultural Center welcome you to use the lounges throughout the year when you need a space to socialize with friends or when you need a quiet corner to study. We can't wait to see you there!

Dining Hall open

Unsure of where your classes are? 4D Peer Mentors can help! Come to Campus Green to walk your schedule with a 4D Peer Mentor so you feel prepared for the first week of classes

Get in a ball pit and discuss the meaning of life with a stranger based on prompts from the Director of Spiritual Life! (Part of Discoveries After Dark)

Join us for an evening of carnival fun on the Campus Green.

We will have a rock wall, axe throwing, bungee trampolines, face painters, balloon animal/magician, a ball pit, giant twister, lawn games, funnel cakes, popcorn, and corn dogs, along with HRE hosting an outdoor showing of Inside Out 2 under the tent!

Movie starts at 8:30pm.

Dining Hall open

Students meet their 4D Peer Mentor and other students in their small group on Campus Green. The small group will then mingle and walk to their FSEM & Transfer group time.

Students meet their 4D Peer Mentor and get acclimated to the Discoveries Orientation Schedule

New first year students will meet with their FSEM faculty. Transfer students will go to Transfer Student Orientation.

Specialized orientation sessions for new transfer students.

Your 4D Peer Mentor will discuss your rotation details with you directly. Be sure to check your group chat for full details.

As we do annually, the students will congregate on the lacrosse field to meet their 4D Peer Mentor and form the classic DU to take their class photo.

This session will consist of two parts.

Dining Hall open

Informal drop-in session and mingle for PLP students

The most popular event of last year’s orientation is back – Rec Night. A robust program in partnership with recreation to support the exploration of their resources and meet the club sports teams while engaging in ALL the fun!

Join us for various intramural sports, line dancing, ice skating, broomball, curling, pickleball pong, rock climbing, fitness classes, food (located just south of Ritchie Center along Asbury Avenue), and much much more!

Come wearing athletic clothes! Complete the scavenger hunt to win a free t-shirt!

Orientation for incoming exchange students covering DU introduction, billing, health, academics and more.

Students move in based on housing assignments.

Tour for parents, families, and support systems. Departs from Parent & Family Welcome Lounge

Veterans and Military Resources (VMR) a department in the Dean of Students Office in the Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Denver (DU), in partnership with your school certifying officials from the Registrar's Office, will bring you essential information about how your GI Bill is used at the University of Denver, ways to get involved in student life, and resources available to you!
Each session is identical; you can expect the same information from both.

Parents, families, and support systems are invited to drop by the Welcome Lounge for Campus tours, and to write a note to their student on the “Wish Wall.”

Immigration/Visa Paperwork, etc.

Veterans and Military Resources (VMR) a department in the Dean of Students Office in the Division of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Denver (DU), in partnership with your school certifying officials from the Registrar's Office, will bring you essential information about how your GI Bill is used at the University of Denver, ways to get involved in student life, and resources available to you!
Each session is identical; you can expect the same information from both.

Tour for parents, families, and support systems. Departs from Parent & Family Welcome Lounge

Dining Hall open

Students and their families in these programs are invited to participate in a welcome and orientation for these specific programs. These programs have communicated with their students to share time and location details.

1:00-1:50pm: Navigating the Transition to College
2:00-2:50pm: Accessible DU: Student Disability Services (SDS) Information Session
3:00-3:50pm: Career Development & Student Employment
4:00-4:50pm: Academic Success Panel

Join New Student and Family Programs to discuss strategies for supporting your student's transition into college.

Students and their families in these programs are invited to participate in a welcome and orientation for these specific programs. These programs have communicated with their students to share time and location details.

Students will have the opportunity to connect with and learn about Student Disability Services on campus.

Parents and families will have the opportunity to connect with and learn about Student Disability Services on campus.

Students move in based on housing assignments.

Campus offices have been invited to table to provide visibility to the parent audience of their offices and their work.

Join Career and Professional Development office to discuss career services and student employment at the University of Denver.

  
This meeting is mandatory for all residents to get to know your community and go over important information about living on campus. Check with your Resident Assistant (RA) for the location!

Following this session, your RA will walk you to New Student Convocation.

Non-residential students will connect with other new commuter and non-residential students.

Any non-residential student can go to the ID Card Office in Driscoll Commons, Garden Level.

Join us in welcoming new students and families at a tea with the Director of Spiritual Life and representatives from some of the registered student Religious and Spiritual Orgs (the "Amazing 9"!) | RSVP at https://bit.ly/spiritual_tea (This is part of 100 Days of Spiritual Wellness, and part of Discoveries Week!)

A panel of faculty and staff from offices that support new students in their academic career at the University of Denver. Panelists range from the Director of Freshman Seminar, tutoring and library resources from the Anderson Academic Commons, to a campus executive functioning specialist.

Official welcoming of new students and their families. “Ringing in” of new students to follow as students and families depart Magness Arena for Crimson Cookout.

New Students and their guests are invited to a BBQ dinner on Campus Green catered through Sodexo.

Welcome reception for all incoming students of color and first-generation students, and their families. We will introduce students to the Student Inclusion & Belonging (SIB) team (TCC, FIRST@DU and SJE), student affinity groups and other campus resources.

Come join us for an evening of restful and creative engagement! We will have a splatter room with a community art project to create with darts and paint balloons (inspired by Mia Thermopolis!), stuff your own DU pillow and other crafts, and arcade games. Grab your roommate, grab your floor mates, and come hang out.

Did you move in early to campus? Join the 4D Peer Mentors for an ice cream social with lawn games and other activities!