First-Year Orientation

Orientation Sign Up Opens: March 2025

Orientation is a two-part requirement to fulfill this requirement you must complete both parts. See below for more information about each part. 

• To register, log into your application status page and click on the NextSteps Checklist, "Register for New Student Orientation"

1) Registration Appointment with Academic Advisor

2) Online Orientation Modules

            The modules will introduce new students to the following items

• Campus resources
• Academic, financial & billing processes and deadlines 

 

Orientation Sign Up Opens: April 4th, 2025

Orientation is a two-part requirement to fulfill this requirement you must complete both parts. See below for more information about each part. 

• To register, log into your application status page and click on the NextSteps Checklist, "Register for New Student Orientation"

1) Registration Day

• Meet with a Registration Specialist
• Register for Classes

2) Student Success (In-person)

Student Success is the In Person On Campus aspect of your orientation requirement. It's a chance to meet other new students, learn more about campus life and resources, and get excited to start at CU Denver!

Be on the lookout for an email in July on how to select your workshops for your in-person orientation.

 

 

Orientation Sign Up Opens: October 2025

Orientation is a two-part requirement to fulfill this requirement you must complete both parts. See below for more information about each part. 

• To register, log into your application status page and click on the NextSteps Checklist, "Sign Up for New Student Orientation"

1) Registration Session (via Zoom)

• Meet with a Registration Specialist
• Register for Classes

2) Student Success (In-Person)

Student Success is the In-Person, on campus part of your orientation requirement. It's a chance to meet other new students, learn more about campus life and resources, and get excited to start at CU Denver!

The Family & Guest Orientation modules are a great supplement to orientation! We welcome and strongly encourage family and other members of the student's support team to engage with the orientation process. Our goal is to provide easily accessible information giving you the tools you may need to help your student navigate their new CU Denver home.

How to Create an Account for Family & Guest Orientation Modules

Click here to access the modules 

NSO welcomes incoming students, creating a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging environment. ​It helps students transition smoothly through course registration, personal, and social adjustments to life at CU Denver. ​

Yes, all new first-year (freshman) students are required to participate in New Student Orientation. We design it to help you be fully prepared for your first semester at CU Denver. You'll learn about the academic and support services available to you, plus you'll register for your first semester classes.​

You'll sign up for your New Student Orientation through your application status page. Follow these steps:

1) Accept your offer of admission

2) Click on the Next Steps Checklist, "Sign Up for New Student Orientation"

3) Complete the NSO form and select your Registration Session. 

What is the purpose of taking the Math assessment?

The assessment results will be used to determine the most appropriate mathematics course for each student required to take MATH 1110, MATH 1120, MATH 1130 or MATH 1401 for their major. These are predominantly required for STEM majors. Students should consult with their advisor to determine which math course is required and whether the assessment is necessary. If so, they should review their results after completing it and enroll in the best class for them based on their scores and their major’s degree plan. This is a placement assessment not a test. Results won't appear on a transcript nor impact GPA. ALEKS is designed to determine what a student knows and what a student needs to work on. At the end of the ALEKS Assessment, a student will have a much better sense of their strengths and weaknesses in math. Students then have a chance to brush up on topics they may have forgotten or haven't used for a while. Be honest. It is important that the ALEKS Assessment is taken seriously and each student gives it an honest effort so that the scores truly reflect their current level of knowledge and math preparedness. There's no benefit to cheating on the assessment – the only result will be that a student enrolls in a class that's too difficult, or not challenging enough, potentially costing time and money. So, while you're taking it, don't consult any outside sources for help. The purpose of the assessment is to give an accurate measure of a student’s current mathematical knowledge so that they will be successful in math classes.

Why must I take the ALEKS Math Assessment?

This assessment will determine your placement in the mathematics course in which you will have the greatest success helping to provide you with the highest quality education possible. You should consult with your advisor to verify the math course you are supposed to take and then determine if assessment will be required or if you've already completed coursework that will serve as the appropriate prerequisite. After you complete ALEKS, your scores will be uploaded to the registration system within three business days. That's when you'll be able to register for the math course that's recommended for you, based on your score and your advisor's recommendation.

Who can help me decide if I need to take one of the classes that requires ALEKS Assessment?

Your advisor can help guide you as you determine which classes are required for you to earn your degree. They can also help you determine whether prior coursework or AP/IB exam credit satisfies the prerequisites as an alternative to ALEKS. If you're unsure who your advisor is please check your UCDAccess portal. 

Who's required to complete the ALEKS Assessment?

Students who want to take any of the courses listed below and haven't completed the prerequisite coursework.

• MATH 1110 College Algebra
• MATH 112 College Trigonometry
• MATH 1130 Pre-calculus
• MATH 1401 Calculus 1

Learn more about ALEKS at CU Denver and how it impacts you.

If you need to change your orientation date, contact our office at 303.315.3503 or orientation@ucdenver.edu. ​​​

Fall and spring admits are required to attend an in-person, on-campus orientation session, in addition to the Zoom Registration Session. This session will introduce you to campus resources and staff. 

Summer admits do not have an in-person session. Summer admits will complete online modules that will introduce you to campus resources, in addition to the Zoom Registration Session.