FIRST@DU is an area within Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence (SAIE), Dean of Students Office. FIRST@DU is dedicated to helping first-generation, minoritized, and other underrepresented students succeed. We provide an array of opportunities for all first-generation students to network and build support through community activities, mentoring, success sessions, resource referrals, leadership development, and more. From one-time workshops to years-long support initiatives, FIRST@DU strives to equip students with the tools they need to make the most of their DU experience.
Student Cohort Programs
FIRST@DU's Student Cohort Programs are designed to help first-generation students overcome systemic marginalization, succeed academically, and stay on track toward graduation through pre-orientation, peer-to-peer mentoring, and community-centered support.
Transitioning to college life is a major life step that can be daunting for any student. Our Pre-College Programs begin at the high school level, giving students the head start they need to navigate this transition with confidence.
FIRST@DU cohort students have an opportunity to live on the Student Inclusion and Belonging (SIB) and E-STEM Floor located in Dimond Family Residence Village (DFRV). The SIB and E-STEM Floor is exclusively for scholars participating in the 1GENU, Volunteers in Partnership (VIP), Equity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (E-STEM), and Davis New Mexico Scholarship programs. Some Resident Advisors are also active FIRST@DU participants, promoting programs and events, and helping students to navigate DU and thrive.
DACA and Undocumented Students
The University of Denver seeks to cultivate a welcoming and supportive community, committed to offering a world-class education to all people, free from discrimination of any kind. This includes discrimination based on immigration status. For students with undocumented or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration status, FIRST@DU offers a collection of resources and programs to help you succeed.
Find resources for DACA and undocumented students.
