Program Overview

Introduction to New Student and Family Programs

The New Student & Family Programs team is excited to welcome new students to the University of Denver. The new student welcome experience, Discoveries, consists of several components starting in May.

Components of Discoveries

• DU Bound Newsletters: monthly newsletter highlighting important dates, reminders, and next steps.
• Discoveries Online Experience: monthly virtual orientation experience that takes place online with modules via Canvas.
• Discoveries Orientation: in-person orientation taking place prior to the start of classes, where students meet their 4D Peer Mentor, FSEM Faculty member, other DU students, learn to navigate campus, and hear about available resources and support services.
  • Family Orientation takes place the day of new student move-in.
  • Pre-Orientations are offered for specific programs, including but not limited to:
    • First@DU
    • Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) at FLYTE
    • E-STEM
    • Pioneer Leadership Program (PLP)
    • Excelling Leaders Institute (ELI)
  • Population Specific Orientations are also offered for specific populations, including but not limited to:
    • CWC Leadership Scholars
    • Honors Program
    • Living Learning Communities (LLC)
    • Veteran & Military Resources
    • Student Disability Services (SDS)
    • International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) & Exchange Students
    • Spiritual Life
    • Transfer Student Orientation
    • Graduate Student Orientation
• 4D Peer Mentorship: current DU students who serve as mentors to new students throughout their first year at DU, facilitating small groups during Discoveries Orientation, supporting FSEM courses/Transfer Groups, as well as First Ascent, Weekly Discoveries programs, and Mentorship Meetings with new students.
• First Ascent: an experiential opportunity personalized to new students, allowing time and space for self-reflection and connection with peers at the Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC).
• Weekly Discoveries: weekly program opportunities to support new students' first quarter, led by their constellation of mentors, including their 4D Peer Mentor and other university mentors and departments.

Mission

New Student and Family Programs is committed to the successful transition of new students and families into the University of Denver campus community, providing inclusive, holistic, student-centered programming aimed at empowering student academic success, personal growth, and meaningful connections.

Discoveries Orientation Program Outcomes

Through participation in the Discoveries Orientation program, new students will:

• Learn about student roles and responsibilities of becoming a University of Denver community member
• Explore resources and opportunities that support students' academic, social, and health and wellness goals
• Develop skills centered on self-awareness, social interactions, and engaging with diverse identities, ideas, and experiences of others in the community
• Develop a sense of belonging and connection to the University of Denver and the greater Denver community