Discoveries Orientation Program Outcomes:

  • Learn about student roles and responsibilities of becoming a University of Denver community member

  • Explore the resources and opportunities that support students' academic, social, and health and wellness goals

  • Develop skills centered on self-awareness, social interactions, and engaging with the 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

 FSEM Objectives for Discoveries Week

    • Get to know student names

    • Encourage them to get to know each other

    • Hint at long-lasting ties to the group or sub-groups

    • Answer burning questions, triage advising questions

    • Provide scholarly context for the meaning of required courses

    • Establish yourself as a hub to connect with academic resources

    • Set expectations of rigor combined with resources to help students meet the high bar

    • Provide context for resources on campus and prepare for responding to outreach

    • Reduce barriers to success and increase a sense of belonging

Destinations Trips

  • Yes! Your presence helps build community and it will deepen your mentorship-student relationships.

  • No, but they should be with the FSEM instructor or the 4D Peer Mentor. For some Destinations trips (such as those that go downtown), students will want to linger and explore on their own. This is acceptable. Just make sure the students are able to find their way back to campus with their 4D Peer Mentor.

  • In the event of an accident or serious illness for anyone participating in the Destinations Trip:

    1. Determine the seriousness of injury or illness.

    2. If emergency medical care is needed, immediately contact 911.

    3. Give the following information to the 911 dispatcher:

    • Your name and phone number

    • Location of person(s) who is injured or ill

    • Name of injured or ill person(s)

    • Indicate if an ambulance is needed

    • Details available on accident or illness

    • Do not hang up until the dispatcher tells you goodbye.

    1. Do not move the injured or ill person(s). Try to make him or her comfortable. If qualified, provide First Aid as needed or find a qualified assistant.

    2. Have someone meeting the emergency unit at a specified location, i.e., street intersection, building entrance, so he or she can escort the unit to where the injured or ill person is located.

    3. After you contact 911, immediately contact a representative in the Provost’s office.

    4. Keep the representative updated on all progress regarding the ill or injured person.

FSEM faculty organize a group outing on the Friday of Discoveries Week. Faculty may choose from a list of pre-arranged activities or design their own. We will provide a list of pre-arranged, on-campus activities during the summer. Remember, you have a budget for this ($25/student, including you and your 4D Peer Mentor)!

Destinations add an experiential element to new student orientation while enabling FSEM instructors and students to connect in off-campus settings. Ideally, the trip will relate to the topic of the First-Year Seminar and/or acquaint students with the City of Denver.

Orientation Details, Dates & Discoveries Information

Stay tuned for more information! This website will be updated with detailed information during the summer (2025). You can click on the button below for current information from New Student & Family Programs.

2025-6: Mark Your Calendars!

FSEM Training: Attendance is Mandatory

Wednesday, August 27th (Time TBD)

Advisor Training: Attendance Strongly Encouraged

Thursday, August 28th (Time TBD)

Discoveries Week

Tuesday, September 2nd - Friday, September 5th (Friday, the 5th is your Destinations Trip!)