FIRST@DU Weekly Newsletter
Student Inclusion and Belonging
Dean of Students Office
Winter Quarter Week 9
FIRST@DU wishes you all a happy and warm week 9! We're so close to being done with winter quarter, spring is just around the corner! We wish you the best of luck at the start to your exams!
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!
Colorado's only all-Asian and Asian American film festival just announced their line-up for their10th anniversary! The Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival is organized by Colorado Dragon Boat, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since its start in 2016, the film festival has been highlighting and promoting the culture, contributions, and accomplishments of Asian and Asian-Pacific American communities through film. The goal of the Colorado Dragon Film Festival is to celebrate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities by building bridges of awareness, knowledge, and understanding between the different AANHPI communities through Asian and Asian American cinema. This is the fourth year for MFJS faculty member, Roma Sur, on the programming committee. She also moderates the shorts showcase filmmaker Q&A.Secure your all access pass now!
Join us for the next Interdisciplinary Game Symposium in Anderson Academic Commons 340 (The Loft).At this event, Kim Gorgens, professor in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, willexplore the latest research on the potential benefits and challenges of gaming for mental health
and cognitive rehabilitation. In addition, Daniel Melleno, associate professor in the Department of History, will discuss the way in which historical games can serve as a key teaching tool for engaging students, exploring the craft of history, and thinking about our own relationship to the past.
Accessibility Awareness Nominations
Do you know a student leaders, faculty member, or DU office/department that is doing exemplary work in leading accesibility initatives and creating a lasting impact across campus? Nominate them for an award for this global Accesibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! Awardeeswill receive a plaque and be honored during GAAD, and all nominees will be recognized for their contributions. Nominations are due April 9th.
Join the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for spring rush 2025! Please see the flyer for more information, but note that ALL MATERIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY BY THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2025. Email Christopher Miofsky (Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life) at christopher.miofsky@du.edu if you have any questions.
Davis Gallery Proposal Form
The Davis Gallery is open to all DU community members. Each academic year, two graduate students are selected to coordinate, install, and assist with curating a calendar of rotating exhibitions. These two students are referred to as the Programming and Engagement Coordinators. Exhibitions are submitted online, and then selected by the Davis Gallery committee.
Artists & Curators wanting to apply, see the flyer attached to submit a proposal! The proposal deadline is Monday, April 14th at Midnight!
Join CAPE at Birdcall on Friday, March 7, to help raise money for the Survivor Fund! Head over to the Birdcall on 1535 E. Evans Ave. anytime between 10:30 a.m. and midnight to "dine to donate." Be sure to enter our tracking code "CAPE0307" before checkout for 25% of your food purchase to be donated.
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!
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
F1RST@DU Student Spotlight- Luis Figueroa Chacon
His advice for future first-gen students is, "You're fighting against the odds, but that doesn't mean you're destined to lose. You are here because you deserve to be here and if things get touch, remember, you are not alone!"
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
Ivory Bridges Foundation Scholarship
Ivory Bridges Foundation provides a pathway to an equitable future for first-generation college students by supporting them with financial support and personalized success coaching.
Application Opens: Monday, February 10th, 2025
Application Closes: Friday, March 7th, 2025
Interviews: Sat March 22, Sun March 23
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program that recognizes and supports student public problem solvers at Campus Compact member institutions.
Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor based on their potential for public leadership and their work with communities. Throughout the fellowship year, Campus Compact provides students with opportunities to nurture their assets and help them develop strategies for social change—creating a network of connected and engaged student leaders who can support one another in making positive change.
Updated Program Timeline
2025 Cohort
January 27th, 2025 — Nomination form opens
April 25, 2025 — Last day to nominate students
August 2025 — Newman cohort publicly announced
September 2025 — Orientation/Fellowship begins
October 16-19, 2025 — Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows
Be a first-year graduate student for the 2025-2026 academic year
Have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.50
Be a U.S. citizen or DACA recipient
All competitive candidates will demonstrate commitment to driving change for society through both their past experiences and achievements and their vision for their career.
The Summer Internship Award Program is designed to increase the ability for students to participate in internship opportunities that are unpaid. The program will award undergraduate students with awards ranging from $2,500-$3,400, depending on the award origin.
Eligibility
Internships must be unpaid and a minimum of 200 hours during the summer of 2025 (small stipends might be accepted on a case-by-case basis)
Internships may be on or off the DU campus.
Students must be undergraduates. Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
Currently enrolled at DU full-time and must maintain their undergraduate status through the summer by registering as a full-time student in the Fall Quarter of 2025.
If the internship is outside of the U.S., the internship must be registered and approved through DU Passport.
Students enrolled in a 3/2 or 4/1 graduate program are not eligible if they have started their graduate work.
In order to give more students the opportunity for funding, previous award recipients of any of the Summer Internship Award Programs noted above are not eligible to apply again.
University College undergraduates are not eligible.
It is recommended that students have already accepted and secured a summer internship by the application deadline.
Students who have not secured an internship by the application deadline may still apply but must be in active pursuit of an internship opportunity. Receipt of the award money will be contingent upon finding a summer internship no later than June 1, 2025
All applications must be submitted through Pioneer Careers Online by April 11th @ 5 pm
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 Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service supports students who have a passion for helping others, experience serving their communities, and can demonstrate an expansive view of what’s possible through public service.
To apply, visit: https://obama.org/programs/voyager-scholarship/
Applications close on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM Central Time
Latin American Education Foundation (LAEF) Scholarship
The 2025-2026 LAEF scholarship application will be available beginning Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Award amounts:
$3000 for 4-year institutions
$2000 for 2-year institutions
Qualifications
Student is a Colorado resident
Student identifies with or is committed to serving the Latino/a/x community
Student is a new applicant for the LAEF Scholarship
Student's cumulative high school GPA must be 2.0 or higher
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.
Student Signature Grants
Students can receive funding for three types of projects. Discovery projects involve original research or creative work that builds new knowledge.
Research refers to an investigation or inquiry that seeks to make a new scholarly contribution to knowledge. Research can be within or across disciplines.
Creative work refers to a scholarly endeavor that produces a new artistic or creative output through writing, making, composing, designing, recording, performing, or curating.
Integration projects connect existing knowledge in new ways.
Application projects put existing knowledge into practice in new ways.
The deadline for the Student Signature Work Grant is February 26th! To learn more and see if you're eligible: click here
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!
Scan the QR Code to see the list of Counseling Groups and Workshops being hosted by the Health and Counseling Center.
The majority of groups are being offered in-person though some may be offered via tele-health (Zoom).
Please email Anand Desai for any group related questions, or call 303-817-2205 for general HCC questions.
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
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.
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.
See the flyer for HRE job opportunities and how to apply!
FIRST@DU Peer Mentor Job Opportunity
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!
