FIRST@DU advances the University of Denver’s 4D Experience by helping first-generation students grow across the four dimensions: Intellectual Growth, Well-Being, Character, and Purpose. Through culturally aware, identity-affirming coaching, FIRST@DU supports students in making concrete strategies, supportive relationships, and empowering pathways. In addition, FIRST@DU’s coaching and consulting services equip faculty and staff to design courses, programs, and practices that advance DU’s commitment to becoming a first-gen-ready campus.
Learn how to access, understand, and navigate DU’s core platforms (CrimsonConnect, Crimson Constellation, My4D, MyDU, and more).
Practice using essential tools for academic planning, campus involvement, mentoring, and holistic development.
Understand how each system supports their success. This may include anything from finding community and opportunities to tracking goals and engaging with their constellation of mentors.
Build personalized “tech navigation routines” that reduce confusion and support time management, belonging, and academic success.
4D Alignment: Digital fluency enables students to more effectively connect learning experiences (Intellectual Growth), access belonging-building opportunities (Well-Being), and engage intentionally in mentorship and values-driven pathways (Character + Purpose)
Align needs with DU faculty, staff, peers, and professional mentors
Create an outreach, support, and engagement plan
4D Alignment: DU highlights mentoring as core to well-being, character exploration, and purposeful development, noting that a “constellation of mentors” enhances belonging, responsibility, and resilience.
First-gen identity and its relationship to belonging, learning, and purpose
DU’s commitment to a “transformational” 4D education
How faculty/staff can make their spaces more accessible and relational
How students can build their constellation of mentors and engage each dimension
Also open to curating a presentation to your audience’s needs.
4D Alignment: DU frames the student experience as holistic — intellectual, emotional, relational, and purposeful — and promotes reflection and mentorship across contexts.
