Family Engagement

Welcome to the DU Family!

New Student & Family Programs support the transition of new students and their families to the University of Denver. This is your students' support system as they begin to navigate and learn about all the opportunities and resources our institution has to offer them.   

We are eager to welcome your student to our DU community! As a reminder, components of their New Student Welcome Experience at DU include:  

  • Discoveries Online Experience (May-August): a series of required online modules via Canvas to provide essential information and a virtual orientation to support resources in our community to be completed before they arrive on campus. Canvas is our Learning Management System at DU and will be used for all student courses. We hope that this pre-arrival introduction to the Canvas platform will help prepare your student for future use when they begin taking classes this fall. The first module of the Discoveries Online Experience will provide a general overview of the system.  
  • Discoveries Orientation (September): A week long required in-person orientation that takes place the week before classes start. This experience is designed to orient your student to our campus, introduce campus resources and support services, as well as provide time and opportunities to connect with other new DU students. Be sure to participate in Family Orientation during this time.
  • 4D Peer Mentorship: all new students are assigned a current DU student mentor to support their transition to DU.   
  • First Ascent: an experiential opportunity that is personalized to new students, allowing your student time and space to self-reflect and enjoy nature while connecting with their peers at our breathtaking Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC).

DU Family Experience Portal & Engagement Opportunities 

Be sure to stay engaged with our office by joining our family portal, the DU Family Experience. This platform provides parents, families, and support systems with access to our DU Family Newsletter, general university information, list of important dates and events, and specialized information related to various communities you opt into. 

Additional resources and ways to stay connected include: 

  • DU New Student & Family Programs Facebook Page:  provides general updates and reminders about engagement opportunities. 
  • DU Family Webinar Series:  we offer monthly webinars to help you support your student’s DU experience. Check out recordings and register for some upcoming webinars!  
  • Family Orientation: Open to all parents, families and support systems are invited to participate in our Discoveries Orientation taking place on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. 
  • We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable individuals of all abilities to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact us at families@du.edu or by phone at 303-871-6080.  

If you need information about parking or accessible entrances, please use our Digital Map: https://www.du.edu/site-utilities/maps 

Do not hesitate to reach out to New Student & Family Programs as you have questions or need assistance through the University of Denver journey.  

New Student & Family Programs 

303-871-6080 

families@du.edu 

Incoming Family Resources