Lynx Summer Academy
Summer 2026: June 22nd, 2026-July 24th, 2026
Interest Form for Summer 2026 is Now Closed!
Please check back in January 2027 for more information on Summer 2027 Lynx Summer Academy!
Lynx Summer Academy fills up quickly, be sure to apply early!
The academy provides newly admitted first-year students who meet certain requirements based on their application and who will start in the fall semester the opportunity to enroll in 2-7 credit hours over the summer. Students selected for Lynx Summer Academy must also have accepted their fall admission to CU Denver. And here’s the added bonus—summer academy students don’t have to pay tuition or fees!
The 2026 Lynx Summer Academy Interest Form opens January 23rd, 2026. The interest form will be sent to all accepted incoming first-time, first-year students who meet specific requirements based on their CU Denver undergraduate application. On January 23rd, 2026, the interest form will be sent to the email you used on your CU Denver application. If you do not receive an email from CU Denver regarding the Lynx Summer Academy program, it means you did not meet certain requirements based on your CU Denver application. Please email us at fye@ucdenver.edu for additional information.
Space is limited and a spot in the program is not guaranteed. Please note that if you are selected for Lynx Summer Academy, all classes are in-person. please plan your vacations or time away with your family early on, as attendance is mandatory for all weekly classes during this time.
The Lynx Summer Academy provides different tracks for students to choose from to help them get a head start for college.
- Learn the most effective ways to study and take tests
- Utilize small class sizes to engage with faculty and peer mentors
- Engage in learning experiences beyond the classroom
- Explore majors and careers
- Get an Introduction to research
Questions? Feel free to email us at fye@ucdenver.edu.
Summer 2026 Track Options
Track One: Major and Career Exploration (In-Person)
| Course | University Elective | Day | Time | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIV 1110: College Success | Elective Class | Monday and Friday | Mondays: 1:00pm-2:15pm Fridays: Required events and workshops: 9:30am-10:30am Class time: 11:00am-12:15pm
| 1 credit |
| UNIV 1112: Career and Major Exploration | Elective Class | Wednesday | 9:00am-12:00pm | 1 credit |
Track Two: Financial Literacy (In-Person)
| Course | University Elective | Day | Time | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIV 1110: College Success | Elective Class | Monday and Friday | Mondays: 1:00pm-2:15pm Fridays: Required events and workshops: 9:30am-10:30am Class time: 11:00am-12:15pm
| 1 credit |
| UNIV 2110: Financial Literacy | Elective Class | Wednesday | 9:00am-12:00pm | 1 credit |
Track Three: Pre-Collegiate Track Only (In-Person)
The Pre-Collegiate Track in Lynx Summer Academy provides pre-collegiate students the opportunity to take seven college credits: one UNIV 1110 course and two core area courses (COMM 1011 and FITV 1111). If a student is a Pre-Collegiate Student and signs up for Track Three, they will be in class every day of the week (Monday-Friday) from 9:00am to roughly 12:30pm every day with extended time on Mondays until 2:15pm.
If you are a pre-collegiate student, you can learn more about these courses by selecting “yes” under the “Pre-Collegiate Student” question on the Lynx Summer Academy commitment form. If you have further questions about the pre-collegiate program, please email Daniela.Castorena@ucdenver.edu. As a reminder, you must be a Pre-Collegiate student in order to take Track Three.
| Course | Course Area | Day | Time | Total Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIV 1110: College Success | Elective Class Credit | Monday and Friday | Mondays: 1:00pm-2:15pm Fridays: Required events and workshops: 9:30am-10:30am Class time: 11:00am-12:15pm
| 1 credit |
| FITV 1111: Anime Goes to College | International Perspectives | Monday and Wednesday | 9:00am-12:30pm | 3 credits |
| COMM 1011: Communication and Communities | Behavioral Sciences | Tuesday and Thursday | 9:00am - 12:30pm | 3 credits |
Interested in joining Lynx Summer Academy? Applying is easy!
Space is limited and a position in Lynx Summer Academy is not guaranteed - we recommend filling out the interest form early. The steps for officially joining Lynx Summer Academy are below:
- Apply to CU Denver and accept your offer of admission
Reply to Admissions - Fill out the Lynx Summer Academy interest form that will be emailed on January 23rd, 2026 to the email address used for your CU Denver application
- If you are selected for Lynx Summer Academy, respond to your acceptance and follow the next-steps outlined by the First-Year Experience Office. Offers for a spot in Lynx Summer Academy will be sent out in May 2026
- Attend Lynx Summer Academy Welcome (Dates TBD)
Also, make sure to complete your Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive fall and spring financial aid, as well as accepting your College Opportunity Fund (COF) on your CU Denver student portal after applying for it here.