FIRST@DU Weekly Newsletter
Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students Office
Spring Quarter Week 3
Happy Spring! We're so happy to see you all back! Stay tuned for various events and resources coming your way this quarter! FIRST@DU wishes you an incredible start to your quarter! Hope you're all enjoying the sunny weather!
Use the links down below to navigate the newsletter in an improved manner. There are a multitude of scholarships you can apply for listed below, please go for it and apply to them!
📅 RSVPs Now Open for First-Gen Family Weekend!
We are excited to welcome families to First-Generation Family Weekend (April 25–27)—a weekend designed to foster community, celebrate our students, and provide valuable resources to first-gen families.
✨ The main FIRST@DU programming will take place on Saturday, April 26, so be sure to mark your calendar!
Join us on Saturday, April 26 for our FIRST@DU Family Weekend event, and bring your parents and families along!
We’ll be cheering on the DU Women’s Lacrosse Team as they take on Villanova University at 12 PM. Before the game, meet us at our social on the 4th floor of Community Commons from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, where your families can meet other FIRST@DU parents and connect over some food and conversation. Then, we’ll walk to the game together at 11:30 AM.
Invite your families and make it a fun day together—we’d love to see you there!
Join FIRST@DU for a fun Spring Quarter full of events to prepare for the next year and celebrate those who are graduating!
Check the flyer attached to see when events are occurring!
FIRST@DU Spring Cohorts & Scholarship Calendars
Join F1RST@DU for a fun Spring Quarter full of events to prepare for the next year and celebrate those who are graduating!
Check the flyer attached to see when events are occurring!
Cultural Diplomacy: The Power of the Arts for Social Change (Audit/Community Member Registration)
Join the Sié Center at the Korbel School of International Studies for this interdisciplinary course offering as part of the Cultural Diplomacy Initiative!
This graduate-level course will provide an in-depth look at how the arts and culture have been harnessed by nations, communities and individuals to advance positive social impact worldwide. As a half-course, it meets the required number of times for students to receive 2 credits instead of the typical 4 credits for a full class; however, the course is also open to the public or for students to audit for 0 credits. If you are a student who would like to take this course for credit, please register via MyDU!
The course meeting dates and times are as follows:
1. April 16th from 5:30-8:30pm
2. April 18th from 2-5pm
3. April 19th from 9am-2pm (lunch provided)
4. April 23rd from 5:30-8:30pm
Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18, 2025 | CCOM 1700
April 14-16, April 17 | Burwell 340
April 18 | AAC 290
Collegiate Recovery Week 2025 is here - April 14-18, 2025! 🎉 Join us as we celebrate 15 Years of Growth: Rooted in Support, Branching into the Future. 🌱🌿 This week is an opportunity to bring awareness to the communities of students in recovery on college campuses and collegiate recovery as a field! 💜 #CollegiateRecoveryWeek #WearPurple #CollegiateRecovery #RecoverySupport #CRW2025
Workplace Harassment Prevention
Women in Business is partnering with The Blue Bench - a harassment prevention and advocacy organization - to host a transformative event on workplace harassment prevention and corporate culture.
Dive into meaningful discussions, gain a certification, network with professionals, enjoy free food, and provide The Blue Bench with feedback as they continue to pilot this program.
Food Will be Provided
Check the flyer for more details!
Safer 4/20: Cannabis Trviia Tabling
Join THRIVE for a cannabis-related educational tabling with trivia questions and free food on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 1 PM - 4 PM in CCOM outside!
Going Zero Waste
Join the Korbel School for Earth Day for interactive workshops with experts from Eco-Cycle and Compost Colorado-- learn practical tips on going zero waste, recycling right, and composting like a pro!
It will be on Tuesday, April 22nd at 12:00 PM in the Forum (SIE Complex 1020)
DU Sustainability Council & Transportation Solutions are hosting a Bike to Campus day at DU in conjunction with our Earth Week Kick-Off Event on April 21. Earth Week is about promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles, and a call to action for our planet, including volunteer opportunities around Earth Day.
This event will have breakfast, coffee and oppotunities to meet some internal and external vendors who are doing great things for the environment! Sign up to volunteer or pledge to ride your bike and you will be entered to win raffle prizes!
Food Provided (Breakfast, snack and coffee will be provided.)
New First Gen Senator in Undergraduate Student Government
Undergraduate Student Government is excited to share that a First Generation Senator has been added to the Senate beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year! As defined by FIRST@DU, the qualification for the senator must be a student whose parent(s) does not have a bachelor's degree. Candidate qualification closes this Sunday, April 20 at 11:59pm and all information can be found on the Elections Guide website: https://crimsonconnect.du.edu/USGElections/spring-2025-election/. If you have any questions, please reach out to usgelections@du.edu.
Join us for our Cohort Level Up Celebration on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 PM in Community Commons 4th Story! Hosted by FIRST@DU. This event requires an RSVP due to limited space, but it is free and open to all. This is a chance to celebrate ALL FIRST@DU cohort scholars (VIP, Davis New Mexico Scholars, and 1GENU), your accomplishments and contributions! Food will be provided. For questions, please contact rosmina.garcia@du.edu.
*We have created a new form for non-graduating scholars to quickly RSVP. If you've already completed the other form, no need to RSVP here.
If you have not RSVPed at all, please do so by Tuesday, April 1st to ensure we can accommodate everyone.
Graduating from college is an exciting milestone, but transitioning into the next phase of life can feel overwhelming. In this webinar, an expert Career Advisor will provide guidance on adjusting to post-college life. Gain practical tips to confidently tackle the challenges and opportunities that come with this new chapter. Whether you're entering the workforce, considering graduate school, or exploring different paths, this session will help you plan for a successful future beyond the diploma.
Event will be held Wednesday, April 23rd from 4 PM - 5 PM
*Online event
Hosted by the Leadership Studies department and Thrive, join us for powerful conversations about the traits that define effective masc-identifying leaders. Discover how to leverage your existing strengths for positive impact, avoid common pitfalls, and understand how to identify burnout. Whether you’re looking to lead in a specific position, inspire others, or just become the best version of yourself, this session is your playbook for success. Don’t miss out—your leadership journey starts here. DINNER PROVIDED!
Know Your Worth: Salary & Offer Negotiation Strategies
Understanding your value in the job market is essential for securing a fair and competitive offer. In this webinar, experts will share practical strategies for researching salary benchmarks, evaluating job offers, and confidently negotiating compensation. Learn how to navigate discussions about salary, benefits, and other perks to ensure you’re getting the best possible offer. Whether you're entering the workforce or looking to advance in your career, this session will equip you with the skills to advocate for yourself effectively.
In partnership with Vivent Health, Health Promotion is hosting FREE STI testing for students.
To register for a testing appointment:
-Choose what testing time you'd prefer
-Receive a confirmation email
-If you are a graduate student and cannot register through CrimsonConnect, please email hcc.thrive@du.edu
On the testing day:
-Arrive 10 minutes before your selected testing time
-If possible, PLEASE FILL OUT THE CONSENT AND TESTING FORMS (located on this page) before your appointment time
-We will also have forms to fill out at the testing event if you're unable to pre-complete them!
-If you arrive five minutes past your appointment time, your appointment will be cancelled
- Each testing slot is 20 minutes long; arriving late to the appointment delays testing for your peers and those helping us from Vivent Health
If you have any additional questions or need help cancelling an appointment please email hcc.thrive@du.edu with any questions!
RSVP For the First-Gen Graduation!
RSVP using the code in the flyer!
Must RSVP by Tuesday, April 1st 11:59 PM for a first-gen stole!
See flyer for details!
Join our Photovoice Study
We want to see your campus through your eyes! Snap pics of places where you feel you truly belong on campus and share your story with us!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
Take Photos: Capture spots on campus where you feel like you belong (or feel at home).
SIBELONGATDU
Submit: Share your photos with a short description thorugh the QR code or tag @firstatdu #ibelongatdu
Announcements
Important Resources from University Relations and OGC
With the recent changes in national leadership, DU’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) has provided the attached resources to assist in potential interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Please feel free to share these materials with your teams if/as appropriate to ensure our community is informed and supported with care.
One can monitor this page for ongoing updates, as new resources will be added as they become available: https://www.du.edu/equity/resources
Important Guidance:
If an ICE representative arrives with a warrant, subpoena, or similar document, please contact the Office of General Counsel immediately at 303-871-4646 so an attorney can address the matter directly.
During business hours: If ICE is on campus and you are actively engaging the protocol, contact the Office of General Counsel at 303-871-4646.
After hours: If ICE is on campus, please call the Department of Campus Safety Emergency Line at 303-871-3000.
Legal Guidance:
We cannot prevent ICE or any law enforcement agency from being on campus.
Students and staff should not attempt to intervene.
Follow the guidance provided by OGC and encourage students to activate a staff member to assist in following the appropriate protocols.
Know Your Rights and What Immigrant Families Should Do Now
Click here to find this resource in multiple languages
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
Thank you for being interested in DU’s Tax Preparation service!
Sign up and book an appointment with us at the bottom of this site.
Interested in DU's Tax Preparation Service! Sign up and book an appointment through their website.
The DU Pantry is looking for volunteers to help out on Thursday's when the DU Food Pantry is open. Shifts are for 2 hours, but if that prohibits you from volunteering, we can arrange 1-hour shifts. Please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45AFAA2AA7F8CE9-54243892-dufood#/
Join the Student Accountability Board (SAB)!
The SAB at DU is made up of faculty, staff and student representatives who resolve elevated cases where students may have violated community standards and university policies. SAB members determine if the student is responsible or not responsible for violating community standards and university policies and, if they are found responsible, what status and educational outcomes will be assigned. SAB members can assign all status outcomes: warning, probation, elevated probation, suspension and expulsion. Training will be provided. Please consider joining this important board.
To refer yourself, a colleague or a student, please complete the SAB Nomination form. Please send any questions to SRR, at SRR@du.edu or call 303-871-5724. For more information on the SAB and eligibility to participate, please see the Honor Code, beginning on page 44.
SCHOLARSHIPS
DU’s Office of Scholar Development & Fellowship Advising can help you with your application!
The U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) program supports intensive research by undergraduate students in any area of research funded by NSF.Undergraduates (college and university students) can apply directly to REU Sites to participate in research projects across the United States and the world. REU-supported students receive stipends and in many cases assistance with housing, meals and travel. (For additional research opportunities, explore the Information for Undergraduates page.)
The Quad Fellowship is an initiative of the governments of Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. This first-of-its-kind scholarship program is designed to build ties among the next generation of scientists and technologists and builds on the renewed commitment to regional cooperation that emerged from the revitalization of the Quad dialogue in November 2017.
The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship. Contact your OIE advisor for more info.
Fellowships & Grants
Looking for fellowships or grants? Click here to look at a variety of opporunities available!
Community Engagement Student Grants
Apply for Community Engagement Student Grants (formerly ACE Student Scholars Grants)! These grants support students in undertaking community-engaged research or creative projects, providing funds for compensation, project costs and/or travel expenses. In addition to financial support, grant recipients will join a collaborative network and gain access to valuable resources.
Applications are reviewed quarterly, and students can apply early. This is a great opportunity for students to deepen their learning while contributing to meaningful community work.
To receive funding in Summer 2025 -- Deadline to apply is May 14, 2025
RESOURCES
Drop-In Resources
In need of some extra support to suceed in your academics and professional development? The Student Inclusion and Belonging & Family Resources will be holding drop-in hours in CCOM-1254, the small conference room, to help you have the resources you need to succeed!
Check the flyer above for specific support, dates, and times! No appointment needed!
DU Well Coaching
Thrive Health Promotion is excited to introduce DU Well Coaching. DU Well Coaching is a well-being coaching service available to all students and supports students achieve their well-being goals through structured support and accountability of a trained wellness coach. A student can see a coach for various reasons including stress management habits, sleep hygiene, physical activity routines, and more. For questions about DU Well Coaching, please email hcc.thrive@du.edu. If you want to book an appointment, please use this link.
Food Pantry Hours & Location
Food Pantry Hours: Thursdays, 10AM - 4:30 PM
Bring your own grocery bad to shop the DU Food Pantry
*Open to all DU students, faculty, and staff
Location: Driscol Commons next to the ID office
Campus Shuttle Access For Students
The University of Denver offers a campus shuttle that runs 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday along a set route, along with an on-demand shuttle service between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.. To get access, download and use the TripShot app. The app provides:
A convenient way to traverse campus and the surrounding area. Easily access nearby shopping, Pearl Street and hubs around campus.
Booking an on-demand service that will take you to additional stops both on campus and off-campus.
An ETA of the shuttle at your pick-up stop, as well as your destination.
It's never been easier to explore the University of Denver and surrounding area! Keep watching the newsletter for an unveiling of the new look for DU's shuttle and the University's social media channels for a special feature on the drivers who get you where you need to go.
DU Accesibility Guide
Check out the DU Accesibility Guide here: Guide Link
Need Help Connecting to Support?
Contact the Dean of Students (DoS) Office at: DoSoffice@du.edu or by calling 303-871-4261
DACA/UNDOCUMENTED RESOURCES
COHORT INFORMATION
Week 3 Upcoming Events
Tuesday April 15th:Third Year Prep
Sophomores, join FIRST@DU for preparing for the upcoming year! Have prep where you can ask questions and plan ahead!
Where: Dimond 195 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday April 16th: First-Gen Meet Ups
Join us for an evening where you can connect and meet up with other fellow first-gen DU students!
Where: CCOM 2600 from 4:00-5:00 PM
Volunteers in Partnership (VIP)
VIP Volunteer Hours
Fill out your VIP volunteer hours ASAP by scanning the QR code attached or by clicking here! It only takes 3-5 minutes to complete!
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
For Students with Work-Study Funding
Did you know that students with work-study funding have special access to many positions on campus not open to other students? See this link for more information about work study.
To look for Work-study jobs, go to MyDU / My4D > at the top, Search "PCO" and select "Pioneer Careers Online (PCO)". On this site, select the Job Board from the left to view jobs. You may use the filter settings to only show Work-Study positions or only non-work-study jobs as well.
Note: Due to the FAFSA delays this year, some students' work-study information in PCO is still updating.
Did you know student employees have access to paid leave time? Well now you do! See Student Employments' blog, linked here, for details on the two types of leave that student employees are eligible for.
Social Justice Peer Education (SJPE) 2025-2026 Open
SJE is now hiring Social Justice Peer Educators (SJPE) for the 2025-2026 academic year!
Exciting paid opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to become trained facilitators in social justice topics
8-10 hrs per week @ $19 per hr. Students are encouraged to apply on PCO by 9 am on Monday, May 19: https://tinyurl.com/sjpe25
Can you please share with students through your networks?
Thank you for your continued support to Social Justice Education!
City Year Americorps
City Year Now Hiring AmeriCorps Members to Start as early as this Summer, July/August 2025
At City Year, we believe that all children can succeed, and that student potential is limitless. However, access to educational opportunity varies due to system inequity in our country. Each year, we hire over 3,000 people to serve as AmeriCorps Members with us for 11 months, working in under-served public schools to help balance the scales. In 29 locations across the country, they work on teams and in collaboration with our public-school partners to provide additional adult support to students who need it. Serving as tutors and mentors, these AmeriCorps Members use a research-based approach to assist teachers and get their students back on track towards graduation.
During their gap year of service, City Year AmeriCorps Members receive a living stipend, health benefits, professional development, student loan forbearance, an education award of approximately $7,000, and access to a variety of graduate school scholarships through our University Partnerships program.
City Year is currently in the process of hiring people from all majors to serve as AmeriCorps Members in full-time positions, starting July and August of 2025. Our next application deadline is coming up on deadline date. Applications take less than 45 minutes to complete and include the ability to choose which city you wish to serve in! Interested candidates can complete the application at www.cityyear.org.
Please fill out this short form to connect further with the City Year recruiter: Interest Form . Immediate questions can be directed to City Year recruiter, Jake Drollinger at jdrollinger@cityyear.org.
Pathway Exploration Internships at DAM
The museum hosts interns through the Museum Pathways Exploration Internship (PEI) program, designed for current college students and early-career professionals. This paid program provides exploratory opportunities for individuals historically underrepresented in arts and cultural fields.
The FIRST @ DU office is located in the Student Inclusion and Belonging Suite in The Community Commons (CCOM 1200). FIRST @ DU is dedicated to supporting and celebrating first-generation undergraduate and graduate students and their families. We provide an array of opportunities for students to network and build support through community activities, mentoring, success sessions, resource referrals, and leadership development.
Salary
$18.81 - $20.00 USD per hour
Position Summary
Peer Mentors will be assigned 1-4 first-year mentees. Peer Mentors will provide support to first-year 1GenU scholars, create a sense of belonging and connection to DU, and assist them in getting acclimated to the college experience.
Supervision & Training
Peer mentors will learn how to teach campus resources, connectedness and develop communication skills as they mentor first year scholars. Peer mentors will engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion during the course of their position while gaining skills in critical thinking and solution orientated action. Peer mentors will engage in four training sessions before the start of the 24-25 academic year and receive on going trainings as it relates to mentorship and leadership.
Application Details
To apply to this position, please submit applications via Qualtrics. Only applications completed by Sunday, February 23rd at 11:59pm will be reviewed and processed. A completed application includes a resume, two references, essay questions, and acknowledgement of timely trainings.
Multimedia/ Social Media Assistant
FIRST@DU supports all first-generation and low-income students at the University of Denver (DU). FIRST@DU intends to assist first-generation and low-income students by providing resources, support, and funding to help enrich their experience through pre-orientation, academic workshops, cohort experiences (1GENU, VIP). seminars, events, mentoring, and 4D experience for all first-generation and low-income students.
Salary
$19.00 - $21.50 USD per hour
Position Summary
This part time (max 20-hr), work-study position that will create and manage social media and multimedia projects for FIRST @ DU.
Supervision & Training
FIRST @ DU Business Coordinator will supervise this position. Training: one two-hour training session before first day (compensated) to review email address, office area, initial assignments. Week 3 of the quarter will include a All-Suite Training / Meet-and-Greet
Application Details
When uploading your resume to PCO, please save it as a PDF using this naming format: last name, position title. Example: Stevens, Student Employment Program Assistant.
We strongly encourage applications from first generation students, BIPOC students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students. If you meet the minimum requirements listed below and have the passion for the work, we strongly encourage you to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest.
Front Desk / Office Support - FIRST@DU - Student Inclusion & Belonging (work study)
FIRST@DU supports all first-generation and low-income students at the University of Denver (DU). FIRST@DU intends to assist first-generation and low-income students by providing resources, support, and funding to help enrich their experience through pre-orientation, academic workshops, cohort experiences (1GENU, VIP). seminars, events, mentoring, and 4D experience for all first-generation and low-income students.
Salary
$19.00 - $21.50 USD per hour
Position Summary
This part time (max 20-hr), work-study position that will create and manage social media and multimedia projects for FIRST @ DU.
Supervision & Training
This part time (max 20-hr), work-study position will act as front desk coverage for the Student Inclusion and Belonging suite (SIB). The student will be responsible for maintaining a presence at the front desk of the office, greeting visitors, answering general inquiries via phone or from visitors, answering phone calls, and providing general support to staff.
Application Details
When uploading your resume to PCO, please save it as a PDF using this naming format: last name, position title. Example: Stevens, Student Employment Program Assistant.
We strongly encourage applications from first generation students, BIPOC students, students with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ students. If you meet the minimum requirements listed below and have the passion for the work, we strongly encourage you to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest.
Brief Position Description: The Thrive Peer Educators team is hiring! Do you enjoy engaging in conversation about important health and wellness topics? Are you looking for a resume-builder to help show off your leadership skills? Are you looking for a paid position on campus designed to work around your schedule as a student? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Thrive Peer Educators team may be a great fit for you! The Peer Educators are a group of undergraduates who strive to promote the health and well-being of the DU campus community through health education and engagement, developing programs and implementing outreach efforts to address sexual health, mental health, alcohol & other drug education, and gender-based violence prevention. For more information on the Peer Educators, please visit https://studentaffairs.du.edu/health-counseling-center/promoting-health-wellbeing/thrive-peer-educators Apply: To access the application for this position, please visit this link. The application is open until February 16th, 2025. Event: If you’re interested in learning more, we are hosting a Meet & Greet Event on January 28th from 6 to 7 PM in Sturm Room 311. Please register on Crimson Connect if you are interested in attending and meeting current Thrive Peer Educators. For more information and to keep up with important updates, follow the Thrive Instagram account at @thriveatdu.
If you have any questions, please email us at hcc.thrive@du.edu or email the Thrive Peer Educator Program Assistant at Clara.BrunnerAmpuero@du.edu. We look forward to connecting with you!
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION TOUR GUIDE
Wage
$19.00/hour
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ONLY Essential Functions
Primarily lead campus tours for prospective students and their families, high school counselors, and other visiting groups.
Tour Guides help with communication campaigns, fulfill data entry/merchandising requests, and lead specialty college access visits.
They also assist in admitted student programs and support the Office of Undergraduate Admission as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Excellent verbal communication skills, including the ability to converse with a variety of families and prospective students and public speaking.
Strong customer service skills and ability to provide a positive, lasting impression of the DU community.
Demonstrated comfortability engaging in critical topics concerning student life on campus and DU's commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence.
Required Qualifications
You must be an Undergraduate Student in good standing to be eligible for the position.
By submitting the application, you consent to Student Conduct sharing your University standing with us.
Fifth year, dual degree students will also be considered.
Preferred Qualifications
Proficient in a second world language (Spanish preferred) and/or American Sign Language.
Physical Activities
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (tours last 90 minutes)
Extended periods of sitting and speaking during check-in or panel shifts
Ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
Comfortability with crowd management (between 8-35 persons at once)
Working Environment
Homebase for Team1864 is University Hall (2197 S. University Blvd.)
Front desk/reception area will experience bouts of busy movement and above average volume levels during check-in for visits; otherwise, noise level is generally quiet to moderate.
Tours necessitate louder speaker volume from tour guides depending on size of tour
Unexpected interruptions may occur on at either the front desk or during a tour; interruptions shall be communicated via walkie-talkie back to Lead Guides or Campus Visit Program Coordinator(s)
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement & Notice of Background Check
The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. For more information, please see the University of Denver’s Non-Discrimination Statement.
All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check. These are required for all part-time, full-time and student employee hires.
CAHSS Work-Study Opportunity
The CAHSS is looking to hire a first-gen student coordinator position (work-study only).
Salary: $20.00-$21.00 USD Per Hour Work Study is Required
The Program Coordinator provides program support to the CAHSS First-Generation Student Program. This is a part-time position and a one-year appointment. Continuation will be dependent on need, funding, and performance.
To find more information on this position, check out their job board posting!
