Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is First-Year Experiences?

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 degree-seeking 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.

What type of courses does FYE offer?

We offer First-Year Seminars, UNIV courses, and Learning Community classes. More information on each of these course types can be found on the tabs on our FYE website.

What are the benefits of FYE?

Historically over time, FYE students have retained at a higher rate compared to nonFYE students at CU Denver. FYE students have a higher first-semester GPA compared to their non-FYE peers. FYE students rate their professors and PALs highly in terms of mentorship and support during their first semester.

How do I register for an FYE course?

During your New Student Orientation registration day, you will learn about FYE and your academic advisor can assist you in enrolling in your FYE class of choice.

How do I know which course is best for me? 

  • UNIV Classes – offer support for college success, wellness, financial literacy, or student development and leadership, depending on which UNIV course you are interested in. UNIV courses also count as one-credit hour towards your general electives requirement for your degree!
  • First-Year Seminars – three-credit hour college classes that focus on special topics only available your first fall semester at CU Denver! These count as a three-credit hour Core Area class towards your Core Area requirements for your degree. Please visit our seminars tab on our website for a list of our fall classes and what core areas they satisfy.
  • Learning Communities – two courses paired together through major requirements. For example: our Biology and Pre-Health Learning Communities allow biology or pre-health majors to take a UNIV 1110: College Success class paired with a BIOL 2011 and 2010 lab and lecture. Students get to take care of some of their major-specific courses alongside the same group of people, allowing them to build relationships with folks in their major.