From: Alexandra Acosta Date: September 25, 2025 Subject: FIRST@DU Newsletter | Week 3 Fall Quarter 2025
FIRST@DU Weekly Newsletter - Fall Quarter Week 3
Dean of Students Office - Student Affairs
Happy Week Three! This week, focus on staying consistent, leaning into challenges with confidence, and taking time to notice your progress. Remember, growth happens step by step, and you’ve got a community cheering you on every step of the way!
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!
Join QSA as we take a walk around campus and explore resources you may or may not know about! Meet outside Sturm at 4:30 and the walk will start at 4:40!
SASA - Jeopardy Night!
Join the South Asian Student Association for their fun and quarterly Jeopardy night! Food included!
When: September 25th from 6-7 PM
Where: CCOM 2600
ASU Presents: HOT SEAT!
Join African Students United for their next meeting, where they feature an original game called "Hot Seat." This unique twist on musical chairs involves two people who end up on the hot seat going head-to-head in a discussion on thought-provoking African topics & opinions. The event will be located in Sturm 134 from 6:15 to 7:15.
Join them to hear some of their hot takes!
NSA - Freshman Refresh
Join the Native Student Alliance for their orientation, designed to foster connections, celebrate culture, and support students as they begin their journey at DU. We welcome all who are interested in learning, engaging, and supporting our Native and Indigenous communities.
This event is open to all who wish to learn more about Native and Indigenous cultures, connect with students, and support inclusive community-building efforts.
Jimmy John's will be provided!
When: Sat, September 27th at 9 am-3 pm
Where: ECS 510
Traditions Start Here: Hockey Night Lights!
We are back baby!! It is that time of year where you can get a chance to camp out to win a golden ticket and attend all the home DU hockey games for FREE!
Join us for Hockey Night Lights, starting on Friday, October 3rd @ 10am and ending on Saturday, October 4th @ 10am on the green outside of the Ritchie Center.
Show your competitive spirit with a soccer tournament or chill on the ice at our open skate. Take part in trivia or try your luck at some carnival games! Then take a break and enjoy some Snarf's sandwiches for dinner! Finally, end the night off by watching Lego Batman with your friends!
CCOM lunch vouchers and fun giveaways at each session!
Complete 2 workshops to receive a swag bag.
All workshops count toward RSO Harm Prevention.
A Quarter Classics: Munch Week!
Finding yourself hungry in the middle of classes and you don't have time to grab something at the commons? Munch Week has you covered!! Here is the schedule:
Monday, September 29th
(8:30am-10:30am)
Campus Green
Under the Umbrella Pastries
Tuesday, September 30th
(1:00pm-3:00pm)
Carnegie Green
Eatopia Samosas
Wednesday, October 1st
(5:00pm-7:00pm)
Campus Green
Maria's Empanadas
Thursday, October 2nd
(5:00pm-7:00pm)
Campus Green
Mochinut Mochi Donuts
We want to share an exciting new opportunity to grow as a dynamic leader! The 4D Character and Leadership Micro-credential develops mindsets and skills in resilience, compassion, and integrity that are needed by today’s leaders, sought after by employers, and critical to personal well-being and thriving.
Through the micro-credential you will:
Formulate and articulate a personal definition of character-driven leadership
Develop and apply skills and mindsets for character-driven leadership
Communicate and demonstrate how you have utilized these skills and mindsets, both in and out of the classroom (something employers love to see!)
Gain additional networking and leadership opportunities through access to special events and programs
You may read more about the micro-credential here, including outcomes, structure, and required and elective courses.
How do you get started?
Register for the one-credit LDRS 2140 “Exploring Lives of Leadership and Character” taking place this fall quarter and taught by Dr. Paul Kosempel, Director of Leadership Studies
Hi everyone! I’m Feruz and I’m honored to serve as your new First-Generation Senator. First@DU has empowered me, and I’m excited to give back and uplift our community. I’d love to hear your stories and ideas, let’s connect! Schedule a time to meet with me here: https://calendly.com/feruz-y/checkins
VOLUNTEER OPPPORTUNITIES
SCHOLARSHIPS
DU’s Office of Scholar Development & Fellowship Advising can help you with your application!
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.
Start Thinking about Fall . . . 2026!
Even though it feels far away, NOW is the time to start working on fellowship applications that support experiences that begin in Fall 2026. See below for open competitions, and remember: SDFA is here to help over Zoom and in person. Our calendars fill as deadlines approach, so don't wait to ask for help.
Thrive Health Promotion is excited to offer wellness coaching to students! DU Well Coaching is a free, one-on-one wellness coaching program for undergraduate and graduate students. Whether you’re working on building a consistent fitness routine, getting better sleep, or achieving another personal wellness goal, a trained Wellness Coach can provide the structure, support, and accountability you need to stay on track. Book your appointment here.
Student Experience, HCC Drop In hours
Dr. Anna is returning as a drop-in guest in CCOM-1254, Wednesdays 1 - 2:30 PM this quarter.
DU Safe App
Check the flyer attached to get more information on how to get the DU Safe App!
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.
Need Help Connecting to Support?
Contact the Dean of Students (DoS) Office at: DoSoffice@du.edu or by calling 303-871-4261
COHORT INFORMATION
Volunteers in Partnership (VIP)
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.
This event is for tracking those who we have engaged with and picked up swag related FIRST@DU items. Checking in folks? Please "add attendee" and then click "checked in"
Join FIRST@DU for our Fall First-Gen Community Dinner: Success Roadmap. Open to all students, targeting First@DU affiliated scholars and First-Gen students!