Welcome to CU Denver!
The focus of the CU Denver First-Year Experiences program is specially-designed courses that provide a welcoming and supportive learning environment for our new students
who are starting college for the first time in the fall semester. In any of the
FYE courses they choose, first-year students acclimate to the rigors of
college-level work, engage in the active social and intellectual life of our
campus, work closely with faculty and peer leaders, and make close friends and
study partners.
By extending our support beyond the classroom, we connect our new students to the university and help them navigate this new academic world.
For example, you may have trouble understanding some of the language we use, like Registrar or Bursar. It’s the lingo of higher education, our own special vocabulary, and it’s not always easy to translate! That’s why we’ve assembled a lingo cheat sheet for you to reference when you get confused.
First-Year Experiences (FYE) Programs
So, Which FYE course(s) will you decide to take in your first semester at college? It's up to you! You’ll choose from among three FYE program options, selecting the one that suits you best—College Success (UNIV 1110/1111), First-Year Seminar, or Learning Communities. Explore all of the choices to learn more about what each program offers and find out which one interests you the most. Complete details are included in the Fall 2020 FYE Guide.
College Success (UNIV 1110)
The name says everything! This course is designed to ease your transition to CU Denver and make your first semester the best it can be by learning the ins and outs of college life. Join 19 of your soon-to-be BFFs and share in his new adventure together!
First-Year Seminar (FYS)
FYS courses have it all - the best faculty, interesting topics, fun events, and the supports of the whole campus. Each FYS course is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - only available your first semester! Don’t miss out.
Learning Communities (LC)
Learning Communities are double the fun! Our LCs include two courses that are linked together (gotta sign up for both!). The professors tag team to deliver a class experience that goes beyond the classroom with interdisciplinary themes.
Lynx Summer Academy
Apply early. Space is limited! Get started on your college experience with summer school like you’ve never known it before. No tuition. No fees. Plus you get an RTD Pass and can use the Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center for free. Lynx Summer Academy gives first-year students who are starting in the fall the chance to take four credit hours and get a jump on their educational journey.
Workshops and Activities
Luckily for you, FYE takes students beyond courses and classrooms. Getting the most out of your first-year college experience is easy when you participate in the activities that the university offers. Every semester, offices across campus provide a variety of social events and dozens of workshops that cover topics from academic skills to personal growth.
FYE instructors require their students attend workshops, campus events, and meet with their academic advisor. That means that as an FYE student, you receive credit for participating in these activities! You'll become more socially involved at CU Denver, more aware of yourself, learn to utilize the campus resources available to you, and practice the academic skills necessary to succeed at the university.
Fall 2020 Workshops and Events - Coming August 2020!
The First Year Experience Model
Our model of engagement for our FYE programs includes four parts.
Mentoring
A Peer Advocate Leader (PAL) serves as your go-to guide on college life and campus resources. With small class sizes, professors have time to get to know you and give you one-on-one advice.
Advising
Building a strong network of support is a necessity, and our advising teams are a central part of your network. FYE students have mid-semester meetings with their academic advisors to check in and plan for the following spring semester.
Activities
Being engaged on campus is a serious and totally fun component of first year acclimation. There are tons of options, from our annual FYE Barbecue and CU 411 Casino Night to scholarly lectures, intercultural events, and student clubs and organizations.
Workshops
Learn from the experts. Our in-class and outside the classroom workshops include a variety of topics.
- Stress and Choosing a Major, presented by the Career Center
- Procrastination Domination, presented by the Learning Resources Center
- Money Matter$, presented by the Wellness Center and Financial Literacy
First-Year Experiences
CU Denver
Student Commons Building
1201 Larimer Street
#301
Denver, CO 80204
303-315-2133
